Metro mayors unite to tackle flooding in the capital

In a rare show of unity, the 17 mayors of Metro Manila have agreed to work hand in hand to confront one of the capital’s biggest and most persistent challenges—severe flooding.

During a recent meeting of the Metropolitan Manila Mayor’s Council (MMMC), the local chief executives reached a unanimous decision to coordinate their flood control and clean-up efforts across city boundaries. 

The meeting was also attended by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vivencio Dizon and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Romando Artes.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso voiced strong support for the unified approach, saying that flooding is a shared problem that demands a collective solution.

“The issue of flooding affects us all. It cannot be solved by one city alone,” Domagoso said. “Sama-sama tayo sa adhikaing ito, kasama si DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon, MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes.”

Domagoso emphasized that clean-up and drainage improvement operations must be carried out with a comprehensive plan involving all 17 local governments in the National Capital Region.

Among those who expressed their commitment to the joint effort were Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar-Nery, Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian, and Pateros Mayor Gerald German.

“Sa pagkakaisa at tuloy-tuloy na aksyon, isusulong natin ang isang ligtas at handa sa anumang panahon na Metro Manila,” Domagoso concluded.

Officials said the unified flood mitigation strategy aims to enhance coordination among local governments, DPWH, and the MMDA in implementing long-term infrastructure and environmental solutions for a safer and more resilient metropolis. TRACY CABRERA