Marikina gov’t to distribute flood maps

MARIKINA CITY — Marikina City will soon distribute a flood map among city residents which will indicate all posts at the highest flood level of 22 meters, higher grounds as relocation areas for the city vehicles and heavy equipment, and evacuation sites for residents in low-lying areas.

Marikina City Mayor Del de Guzman said the map will be a key tool in educating and informing residents on two important things: areas most prone to flooding and areas where it is safe for evacuation.
“This is a strategic step to manage our city in terms of flood preparation,” the mayor said.
Aside from the flood map, Vice Mayor Fabian Cadiz also ordered city administrator Vic Sabiniano to coordinate with the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“We want to set up an upgraded flood warning system along the Marikina River in collaboration with the DOST; and we also want to appeal to the DPWH for the immediate repair of damaged floodgates located in Rosario, Pasig City,” he said.

The move is part of the city’s Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council, as chaired by Mayor de Guzman, and also the creation of barangay disaster councils in readiness for any massive flooding re-occurrence.

The city government has allocated PhP70 million as the calamity fund for the project.
It will come from the city’s annual budget of P1.4 billion, where 70 percent will be utilized for preparedness programs and actual relief while 30 percent for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Members of the council, headed by Mayor De Guzman as Chairman, include among others representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, the Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Rotary Club of Marikina, the Philippine National Red Cross, the Marikina Valley Contractors Association, the Tzu Chi Foundation, the Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Marikina Valley Medical Society.