IS FLOOD CONTROL TOTALLY IMPOSSIBLE? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

IS FLOOD CONTROL TOTALLY IMPOSSIBLE? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

There’s a line I’ve heard too many times, almost like a tired refrain: “We can’t solve flooding in the Philippines. It’s just part of life here.” But let me say this clearly and without apology: I disagree.

That’s not just optimism speaking—it’s logic. If a problem has no solution, then, it’s not a problem. It’s just a reality to live with. But flooding? Flooding is a solvable problem. There are solutions. They’re not easy. They’re not cheap. But they’re proven.

No country has eliminated floods—and we don’t expect to either. What we need is control, not miracles. In fact, the government’s own budgets talk about “flood control,” not “flood eradication.” That’s an honest, realistic objective—and one we can achieve.

Filipinos aren’t demanding dry streets 24/7. We’ve learned to live with puddles and temporary flooding during heavy rains. What the public is asking for is reasonable management: water that drains quickly, streets that are passable within hours, homes that don’t fill like bathtubs, and a system that can withstand the rains without collapsing.

What the World Is Doing (That We’re Not)

Look abroad, and we’ll find four countries that have shown us how it’s done—without the drama, and without excuses.

Let’s start with The Netherlands, a country that is literally below sea level, and yet it’s rarely underwater. Why? Because they invested heavily in dikes, levees, and storm surge barriers, creating one of the most respected flood management systems in the world. No magic, just planning, engineering, and political will.

Then there’s Japan. Earthquakes are their main fear, but they don’t ignore flooding either. Their early warning systems, dams, reservoirs, and reinforced riverbanks are backed by cutting-edge meteorological technology. In short: they prepare. Not react.

Singapore, though tiny, has one of the most advanced urban flood management systems in Asia. Sensors, data analytics, drainage canals, pumping stations, stormwater ponds—you name it. And crucially, they maintain these systems. Technology helps them predict, plan, and act before the water gets too high.

South Korea also stands out for its green infrastructure and flood-resilient urban planning. They integrate nature with engineering, a strategy that’s both cost-effective and sustainable. Their reservoirs and flood control dams are often interlinked—an approach we can study and adopt.

Our Added Burden: Trash and Sewerage

Here's where it gets personal. Those countries I just mentioned. They don’t have to worry about garbage clogging their drains, or open canals serving as sewers. That’s where we lose the game even before the rain starts. Our flood control isn’t just an engineering problem—it’s also a waste management crisis.

Let’s face it: even the best drainage system won’t work if it’s choked with plastic wrappers, sachets, and household waste. And many of our cities still lack proper sewerage, causing overflows every time the sky turns gray. If we want to solve flooding, we must solve what’s floating in it.

What We Can—and Must—Do

Here’s the good news: we have the brains. Our Filipino engineers are some of the bests in the region. What we sometimes lack is the political will, the coordination, and yes, the honest implementation of plans.

Let’s be blunt. We don’t need to start from scratch. The models are there. We can send study teams to Japan, Korea, or Singapore. Better yet, bring in local experts who already understand the terrain, the topography, and the budget constraints.

Corruption? Yes, that’s the elephant in the floodwater. Infrastructure projects have long been prey for kickbacks and substandard execution. But if there’s strong oversight—perhaps under your direct supervision—we might just see results. Add citizen monitoring, drone surveillance, and transparent reporting dashboards online, and we might even start trusting the system again.

And if the government needs help with the technological side, we’ve got volunteer tech professionals who are willing to assist. Data analytics, predictive modeling, real-time flood mapping—all of that is within reach, and all of it can inform better decisions.

A Final Thought

Flood control is not impossible. What’s impossible is expecting floods to go away without action. The four countries I’ve cited weren’t flood-free at birth—they earned it through decades of smart governance, civic discipline, and sustained investment.

Can we do it too? Absolutely. But only if we believe that flooding is a solvable problem—and treat it like one.

Because the water will always rise. The only question is: Will we rise with it, or let it wash us away?

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

08-20-2025

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