Flooding problems may persist in reclaimed wetlands in Davao City even with the implementation of flood control projects, said environmental group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis) on Monday, October 3.
During the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao, Idis Executive Director lawyer Mark Peñalver said some areas in Davao City that are susceptible to flooding were previously wetlands until it was developed into subdivisions, malls, or other kinds of establishments.
He said an example of this is the wetlands of La Verna Subdivision that acted as a catchment for rainwater during heavy downpours before it was developed into a residential area.
Thus, even with the flood control projects of improving the La Verna Creek and rehabilitation and improvement of its drainage system, Peñalver said the subdivision would still be susceptible to flooding given the natural characteristics of the area.
“(Wetlands are) water catchment. Kining La Verna, mura siya og kawa nga kung muulan, mubaba gyod ang tubig didto (The area of La Verna is like a large pot that catches water whenever it rains). So dili gyod na siya mapugngan maski unsaon nimo pagpadako sa drainage system kung diha padulong ang tubig, diha gyod siya (If that’s where the water naturally goes, it cannot be avoided no matter how big we expand the drainage system),” Peñalver said.
Because of this, Peñalver said it is important to consider the history of an area in urban development and to protect the remaining wetlands in Davao City.
In a study conducted by Idis, some of the identified remaining wetlands are located in Barangay Agdao, Ecoland Drive behind Verdon Parc residential condominium complex, parts of the University of Mindanao, and part of Diversion Road.
“Gamay na lang ni siya tungod kay threatened sila for reclamation, ginapatindugan og condominum or malls (We only have a few wetlands left because they are threatened by reclamation). Eventually, kung masarado na siya tanan, ang area mubaha gyod (if the entire wetland area is closed off, the area will flood)... Dako pud ang iyahang (wetlands) (The wetlands have a big) environmental purpose for flooding here in Davao City,” Peñalver said.
As an alternative, wetlands could also be built near drainage systems and coastal areas vulnerable to flooding.
“Naga-taas pud ang sea water level (The sea water level is also rising)... Maski unsaon pagdako sa drainage in coastal areas, kung high tide tas naga-ulan, mutaas gyod ang tubig (Even if we implement more drainage projects, the water will rise during high tide and heavy rains). Dapat naa ta catchment na mupugong sa tubig na muadto sa communtities (It’s important to have a catchment to prevent the water from reaching the communities),” Peñalver said.
If these wetlands or tidal marshes are protected, it could help address the flooding problem of the city by acting as a natural catchment for an alternative flood control system. ICM