Just a week after the 2025 local elections, newly installed Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron has wasted no time in addressing a long-standing challenge faced by residents: persistent flooding in key areas of the city. Speaking during the flag-raising ceremony at the New Green City Hall on Monday, May 19, Mayor Bayron stressed the urgency of finding concrete solutions to the flood-prone neighborhoods before the next rainy season arrives.
“Engineering office ang may trabaho sa pagtukoy ng solusyon. Kami naman dito ay nandito para magbigay ng suporta at ng kanilang pangangailangan to resolve ng problema natin sa baha,” said Mayor Bayron. “Ninanais ko rin na mapabilis na yong trabaho na ‘yan lalo na ngayong papasok na naman ang tag-ulan.”
The call to action prompted an immediate response from the city’s Office of the City Engineer, led by Engr. Aries Grande, who presented a comprehensive assessment of proposed flood control projects targeting critical flood zones such as Barangay Bancao-Bancao, WESCOM Road in Barangay San Miguel, Barangays San Pedro and San Manuel, and the BM Road area.
These locations, previously battered by relentless rains in February due to a shear line weather disturbance, remain vulnerable to flooding because of outdated drainage systems and poor water flow to natural outfalls. The proposed measures include the upgrading and realignment of drainage infrastructure, installation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), whose jurisdiction covers storm water management on public roads.
“Ang mandate kasi ng DPWH base sa kanila ay iyong storm water lang na nasa kalsada, kaya yon lang rin talaga ang sakop ng projects nila,” Engr. Grande explained. “Hindi na umano sinasakop ng kanilang jurisdiction ang mga adjacent properties kaya tayo talaga ang magreresolba sa mga residential areas na hindi makadaloy ng maayos ang tubig na nagiging dahilan ng pagbaha.”
The ambitious flood control plan requires an estimated ₱902 million in funding, which Mayor Bayron has tasked the Office of the City Budget to prioritize and expedite. The actual costs may vary once detailed project specifications are finalized.
Engr. Grande emphasized that the success of these infrastructure improvements hinges not only on engineering but also on public cooperation. “TAPAT KO, LINIS KO!” — a long-standing civic campaign slogan reminding residents to maintain cleanliness and discipline — remains crucial in preventing clogged drainage and worsening floods.