Yamsuan bats for science-based solutions, citizens’ discipline to resolve flooding woes

Parañaque 2nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan wants science-based solutions complemented by instilling discipline among Filipinos in properly disposing of waste to finally resolve the perennial flooding in the country’s low-lying communities.

Yamsuan said that while band-aid fixes can be immediately carried out to mitigate flooding, local government officials should also strictly impose laws on proper waste disposal and segregation, and cooperate with the national government in finding science-based solutions to the longstanding problem of flooding.

“May short-term solutions tayo, we bring in the backhoes, the mobile pumping stations, and the dredgers to clear the creeks. But the long-term solution is science-based urban planning and discipline,” said Yamsuan in a recent interview on the Bilyonaryo News Channel’s noontime program ‘The Daily Dish.”

Local government units (LGUs) should also address the problem of informal settlements in their respective communities, Yamsuan said.

Yamsuan’s home city of Parañaque has consistently suffered from severe flooding during heavy downpours for over a decade.

While it is easy to blame people for illegally dumping their trash on the streets and waterways, Yamsuan said LGUs should also implement programs that would make it easy and accessible to properly dispose of garbage.

For instance, Yamsuan said LGUs can place garbage bins with waste segregation containers in strategic areas where people can easily bring and dispose of their trash.

This system should be accompanied by the strict enforcement of penalties for violating laws and local ordinances on proper waste disposal, Yamsuan said.

“Leadership should be shown by way of programs that people will really follow. For example, in Parañaque, if you are the local government, why not put trash bins in strategic places where people can go to properly dispose of their garbage?” Yamsuan said.

Yamsuan has been regularly coordinating with Secretary Vince Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ease flooding in low-lying areas of Parañaque’s Second District, where floodwaters have reached waist-deep in the past few days as a result of the heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat).

Dizon has sent equipment such as backhoes and mobile water pumping stations to help floods subside quickly in Parañaque’s inundated communities.

On top of conducting declogging and dredging operations, Dizon had also earlier pledged to begin the implementation of a flood interceptor project along Dr. Santos Avenue, where flooding usually occurs.

Dizon said he will also propose funding under the 2027 national budget for the upgrading of old dikes in the city and the construction of detention basins beneath basketball courts and open spaces, similar to projects implemented in Manila and Quezon City.