BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city government is working with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on a P180-million underdrainage project aimed at addressing flooding in Lagoon 1, one of the city’s low-lying areas where water from surrounding communities accumulates during heavy rains.
City Engineer Richard Lardizabal said the Lagoon area covers around 11,033 square meters and serves as a receiving area for water coming from areas including Naguilian Road, Quezon Hill, City Camp Lagoon, and Lower Rock Quarry.
The area has two sinkholes, identified as Lagoon 1 and Lagoon 2, which contribute to the area’s role as a natural collection point for water. Lardizabal said the city previously widened the throat of the lagoon to accommodate the huge volume of water entering the area.
One of the continuing challenges, however, is the accumulation of garbage from its tributaries in upstream areas. Screens have been installed to prevent debris from reaching the main waterway, but these can become clogged and cause water to overflow.
Lardizabal said barangays currently help monitor and clean the screens, particularly after heavy rains. The city also works with the Task Force Lagoon, led by Lower Rock Quarry barangay officials who are on the ground monitoring and clearing the lagoon during heavy rains.
The City Engineering Office (CEO) assists in the disposal of accumulated waste and in the regular cleaning and maintenance of the lagoon. These efforts remain important while the city works toward a longer-term drainage solution. The P180-million project, which was initiated by the city mayor as part of efforts to address the recurring flooding in the area, will include an underdrainage system intended to improve the movement of water through the area.
The project is part of a larger DPWH funding allocation, with the city planning to maximize the surrounding area for other uses, including planned green spaces, rainwater harvesting areas, a materials recovery facility, and other government facilities.
The city is also working to address garbage entering the tributaries by recovering the three-meter creek easement required under existing regulations. Where recovery is not possible, the city may install fences along creek sides to discourage dumping.
Mechanized screens are also being considered to help remove debris before it reaches the drainage system, while barangays and the Task Force Lagoon will continue to assist in monitoring and cleaning the waterways.
Lardizabal said the city is currently coordinating with DPWH on the flood-prone areas, project concerns, and plans that will guide the implementation of the drainage project.
The city has also consulted the 12 barangays affected by flooding in the area as part of preparations and planning for the project.
For now, Lardizabal said maintenance and monitoring remain important, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. He noted that the screens are regularly cleaned to prevent debris from obstructing the flow of water.
The implementation schedule for the underdrainage project remains under discussion with DPWH as the city continues preparations for the project. (Baguio PIO)
