SCORE_RATING

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (En Sci) SW-B02

NAME: GROUP 7 (FLOOD CONTROL) 2023-07-06

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (En Sci)

TOPIC: Flood Control in Metro Manila and Nueva Vizcaya
PRESENTERS: Cathy R. Ancheta, Gwyneth Marie M. Duldulao,
Kimberly Joy P. Gonzales, Jean Irish M. Molina
DATE OF PRESENTATION: July 12, 2023

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q1: As a student, what action can you take to contribute in flood control?

A1: As a student, there are several actions we can take to contribute to flood control and
minimize its impact on communities. First and foremost, we can educate ourselves and
others about the causes and consequences of flooding, promoting awareness and
preparedness. We can also actively participate in local cleanup and restoration initiatives
to maintain waterways and drainage systems, reducing the risk of flooding. Moreover,
engaging in community-based projects like tree planting and green infrastructure
development can help mitigate floods by enhancing natural water absorption and retention.
Additionally, we can advocate for sustainable urban planning and environmentally friendly
practices within our school and local government, encouraging the implementation of
flood-resistant infrastructure and policies. By joining hands with others, we can play a vital
role in fostering a resilient and flood-resistant society.

Q2: Sino yung magbabayad ng damage after flood. Is it yung mga home owners or
may financial assistance ang government?

A2: In many cases, homeowners are responsible for the cost of repairing or rebuilding their
properties if they lack flood insurance. Flood damage is generally not covered by standard
homeowners' insurance policies, so those affected may have to bear the financial burden
themselves. However, in regions with federal or state disaster assistance programs, the
government may provide financial assistance to homeowners affected by significant
flooding. These assistance programs are typically designed to aid in recovery efforts,
particularly for those who do not have flood insurance or are facing extensive damages
beyond their capacity to afford.

Q3: What is the best flood control structure?

A3: One of the best flood control structures is a comprehensive and well-designed network
of levees and floodwalls. Levees are earthen embankments built along riverbanks or
coastlines to prevent overflow and keep floodwaters within their channels. Floodwalls, on
the other hand, are vertical concrete or masonry barriers used in urban areas to protect
against river or tidal surges. When appropriately designed and maintained, levees and
floodwalls provide an effective defense against floods, safeguarding communities, critical
infrastructure, and valuable properties. However, it's essential to integrate these structures
with proper drainage systems, flood risk assessment, and emergency preparedness
measures to ensure their overall effectiveness and resilience in flood-prone regions.

Q4: Are there any long-term sustainable solutions being implemented to manage
floods in Manila and Nueva Vizcaya?

A4: There have been efforts to implement long-term sustainable solutions to manage
floods in Manila and Nueva Vizcaya. These solutions include improving drainage systems,
constructing retention basins, implementing better urban planning and zoning regulations,
promoting sustainable land use practices, and investing in natural infrastructure like
wetlands restoration. Additionally, there has been increased awareness about the
importance of climate resilience and incorporating environmental considerations into
flood management strategies to address the challenges posed by flooding more effectively
in the long term.

Q5: How does economic analysis help decision-making in flood management?

A5: Economic analysis helps decision-making in flood management by providing a

systematic evaluation of the costs and benefits associated with various flood control
measures. It enables decision-makers to compare different options and prioritize projects
based on their cost-effectiveness and potential impact on reducing flood risks. By
considering factors like infrastructure protection, property damage reduction, and
potential economic losses avoided, economic analysis ensures that resources are allocated
efficiently and that flood management strategies are designed to yield the highest net
benefits for communities and the environment.

Q6: What is the worst flood control structure built in Nueva Vizcaya?

A6: The Smith Bell Dam is considered as the worst flood control infrastructure built in
Nueva Vizcaya because it failed to provide effective flood control. The dam was built in
1913 and was decommissioned in 2019. It was intended to control flooding and provide
water for irrigation and drinking water. However, the dam failed to control flooding and
actually increased the risk of flooding in the area. The dam also decreased the water supply
for irrigation and drinking water. Additionally, the dam had a negative environmental
impact by draining the reservoir that was created by the dam, which affected the wildlife in
the area.

Q7: How are the structures improved over time?

A7: Flood control structures are improved over time through advancements in engineering
and technology, lessons learned from past flood events, and ongoing research. Engineers
and experts continually analyze the performance of existing structures and identify areas
for enhancement. These improvements may include upgrades to materials and
construction techniques, incorporating more resilient designs, and adapting to changing
environmental conditions to ensure flood control structures remain effective and reliable
in the face of evolving challenges.

Q8: What environmental concerns can effectively control the negative impacts of the
flood?

A8: Effective environmental concerns that can control the negative impacts of floods
include promoting and preserving natural floodplains and wetlands. These areas act as
natural sponges, absorbing excess water during flood events and reducing downstream
flood risks. Additionally, implementing sustainable land use practices and encouraging
afforestation can help reduce soil erosion, enhance water infiltration, and mitigate the
impact of floods on ecosystems and communities.

Q9: Why do they choose netted rocks instead of filling it with cement as flood control
and what are the advantages?

A9: Netted rocks or known as gabions are a more popular choice for flood control projects
since gabions are made of wire mesh, which is flexible and can withstand more movement
than concrete. This makes them less likely to collapse during flooding. Moreover, gabions
are more porous than concrete structures so they allow water to flow through them, which
helps to prevent erosion.

Q10: During the rainy season here in Nueva Vizcaya, the road along gate 1 to Del
pilar street is being filled with flood, what are the possible solutions for this?

A10: Flooding happens every rainy season not just at Gate 1 to del Pilar Street, but also in
San Vidal Street. In our assessment, it was noted that this area of Bayombong lacks flood
control measures, such as drainage, which should be taken into account while planning the
road, especially given that the road lacks a canal and is level (has no obvious slope)

Q11: How does flooding can affect the health and safety of the citizens?

A11: It can lead to injuries and loss of life due to drowning or accidents during evacuation
attempts. Moreover, floods can contaminate water sources, causing the spread of
waterborne diseases, and create hazardous conditions, such as structural damage and
electrical hazards, increasing the risk of injuries and illnesses among affected communities.

Q12: Are there flood controls that caused disasters in the past?

A12: Yes, there have been instances in the past where flood control structures have caused
disasters. Poorly designed or maintained levees, for example, have failed during heavy
flooding, leading to catastrophic breaches and extensive damage to surrounding areas. In
some cases, over-reliance on certain flood control measures without considering their
limitations or potential impacts has also resulted in unintended consequences. One
example is the recent flood that happened in Isabela and Cagayan, wherein the Magat Dam
opened its gates which caused a flood in the area.

Q13: What is the ecocentric effect of flood control infrastructure and projects?
A13: The ecocentric effect of flood control infrastructure and projects refers to their impact
on the natural environment and ecological systems. While flood control measures are
intended to protect human lives and property, they can sometimes have adverse effects on
ecosystems. Construction of levees, for example, can disrupt natural water flow patterns,
alter habitats, and impede the natural functioning of rivers and wetlands, affecting
biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem health. It is crucial to strike a balance between
flood protection and preserving or restoring the ecological integrity of the surrounding
environment.

Q14: Are there any political or bureaucratic challenges that hinder effective flood
control measures?

A14: Yes, political and bureaucratic challenges can hinder effective flood control measures.
These challenges can include competing priorities for limited resources, complex decision-
making processes involving multiple government agencies, lack of coordination and
cooperation among stakeholders, and difficulties in acquiring necessary approvals and
permits. Additionally, political pressure, public opposition, and conflicting interests can
also impede the implementation of timely and comprehensive flood control measures.

Q15: Is there any chance to stop the unending floods in NCR/Manila? How?

A15: It may not be possible to completely eliminate the risk of floods in NCR/Manila, but
effective flood management strategies can significantly reduce their frequency and severity.
To address this issue, a comprehensive approach is needed, including the improvement of
drainage systems, construction of flood control infrastructures

Q16: What is more durable yet economical structural flood control or non-structural
flood control?

A16: Structural flood control measures are generally more durable than non-structural
flood control measures. This is because structural measures are physical structures that
are designed to withstand the forces of flooding. Non-structural measures, on the other
hand, are often based on policies, regulations, and education, which can be more difficult to
enforce and less effective in preventing flooding.

Q17: Is it possible to construct a dam or mini dam here in Nueva Vizcaya?

A17: Yes, it is possible to construct a dam or mini dam in Nueva Vizcaya. There are a
number of rivers and streams in the province that could be dammed to control flooding and
generate hydroelectric power. However, the feasibility of any particular dam project would
need to be studied carefully, taking into account factors such as the cost of construction, the
environmental impact, and the potential benefits.

Q18: Why do we still experience floods even though we accumulated pumping

stations and dams?

A18: Even though we have accumulated pumping stations and dams, we still experience
floods because these structures are not always enough to prevent flooding. Floods can be
caused by a number of factors, including heavy rains, overflowing rivers, and storm surges.
These factors can overwhelm even the most well-designed flood control structures. In
addition, climate change is making flooding more likely and more severe.

Q19: In the center of Bayombong, what project does the LGU do to prevent flooding?

A19: The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya has implemented a
number of projects to prevent flooding. These projects include the improvement of the
drainage systems, the construction of retention ponds to store excess water during heavy
rains, and the planting of trees along the riverbanks. These projects have helped to reduce
the risk of flooding in the town of Bayombong.

Q20: What is the most expensive flood control infrastructure in Nueva Vizcaya?

A20: The most expensive flood control infrastructure in Nueva Vizcaya is the Salinas Flood
Control Project, which cost more than PHP 117 million to construct. The project was
completed in 2023 and is located in the town of Bambang. It consists of a levee, a drainage
system, and a flood retention pond. The project is designed to protect the town from
flooding during heavy rains.

Q21: How effective is flood control in Nueva Vizcaya? Were floods prevented
completely?

A21: Flood control in Nueva Vizcaya is not completely effective. Floods still occur in the
province, but they are less frequent and less severe than they were in the past. This is due
to a number of factors, including the construction of flood control structures, such as levees
and dams, and the improvement of drainage systems. However, there is still more work to
be done to make the province more resilient to flooding.

Q22: Regarding on Flood control, as you observed rain has huge effects in
Bayombong and it floods the highways, what would you advice or tips on o address
this issue?

A22: The capacity is the first factor to be taken into account while developing a flood
control system, not just in Nueva Vizcaya since it is applicable to all areas. Therefore, the
Engineer who will be employed should be the one who truly understands what he is doing
rather than the one who only cares about the money. As we all know, there are such people
who're more likely into corruption and it cannot be completely avoided. As there is a
chance that the structure won't truly last when proxy materials are employed in flood
controls. In other words, the ability of the building to contain water is what is essentially
taken into account first.

Q23: Is there any flood control structure that failed to do its work?

A23: Yes, there have been many instances of flood control structures failing to do their
work. For example, the levees in New Orleans failed during Hurricane Katrina in 2005,
causing widespread flooding. More recently, the levees in Zhengzhou, China failed during
heavy rains in 2021, causing the deaths of over 300 people.
Q24: Retention Ponds, what are these? How does this work? Is this separated from
the rivers? If so, why is it separate?

A24: Retention ponds are artificial bodies of water designed to temporarily store excess
stormwater runoff during heavy rainfall or flooding events. These ponds work by capturing
and holding the runoff, allowing it to slowly drain into natural waterways or infiltration
systems. In some cases, retention ponds are separated from rivers to prevent rapid and
uncontrolled discharge of floodwater, which could lead to downstream flooding. By
managing the flow rate of stormwater, retention ponds help reduce the risk of flooding in
downstream areas and prevent potential damage to properties and infrastructure.

Q25: Do you think that the different organizations/agencies in charge with flood
control has fulfilled their respective roles properly? Why yes/no?

A25: There are a number of factors that need to be considered when evaluating the
performance of these organizations, including the level of funding they have received, the
complexity of the challenges they face, and the severity of the weather events they have
had to respond to. It is also important to consider the fact that climate change is making
flooding more likely and more severe, which will put additional pressure on these
organizations.

Q26: If there is flood control then why is flooding still occurring and a problem in
Metro Manila?

A26: Flood control measures can mitigate the impact of flooding, but they may not
completely eliminate the problem in highly vulnerable areas like Metro Manila. Several
factors contribute to flooding in the region, including rapid urbanization, poor drainage
systems, clogged waterways, illegal settlements in flood-prone areas, and increasing
intensity of rainfall events due to climate change.

Q27: Constructing flood control requires a lot (billions) of funds, how long does it
take for us to have our ROI?

A27: The cost of a flood control project can range from billions to trillions of pesos,
depending on the scale and complexity of the project. The return on investment (ROI) for a
flood control project can take many years to materialize. This is because the benefits of
flood control, such as reduced damage to property and infrastructure, are often not
immediately realized. However, the ROI for flood control projects can be significant in the
long term. For example, a study by the World Bank found that the ROI for a flood control
project in Vietnam was 12.5%. This means that for every billion pesos invested in the
project, the government would save 125 million pesos in damages over the lifetime of the
project. The ROI for flood control projects will vary depending on a number of factors, such
as the effectiveness of the project, the frequency of flooding, and the cost of damage.
However, in general, flood control projects can be a good investment for governments and
communities.
----------------------------------------------------- END-OF-TASK -----------------------------------------------------