COLEGIO DE MUNTINLUPA
Posadas Avenue, Sucat, Muntinlupa City
College of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering
GEC - Activity 4: Environmental Health
Name: Baruelo, Christian A. Section: CE2G
Class Number: 20231010719 Instructor: Dr. Darylle Hilapo
I. Selected Environmental and Public Health Issue:
Flooding and Poor Drainage Systems
Flooding is a recurring issue in many parts of the Philippines, particularly in low-lying urban areas like
Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao. A major contributor to frequent floods is poor drainage infrastructure—
clogged canals, outdated stormwater systems, and unregulated urban development that blocks natural
water pathways. When it rains heavily, streets become submerged, causing property damage, traffic
congestion, school/work disruption, and disease outbreaks like leptospirosis and dengue.
Floodwaters often mix with sewage due to informal settlements and improper sanitation, turning them
into breeding grounds for bacteria and disease vectors.
Contributing Factors and Supporting Explanations:
1. Improper Waste Disposal Clogging Waterways:
Many communities lack proper waste segregation and disposal practices. Plastics, food waste,
and other garbage often end up in canals, rivers, and storm drains, causing blockages that prevent
rainwater from flowing freely. This leads to water backing up into streets and homes during heavy
rains.
2. Lack of Green and Open Spaces:
Urban areas in the Philippines, especially in highly populated cities like Metro Manila, have
minimal green infrastructure. Concrete-dominated environments reduce the land’s natural ability
to absorb rainwater, increasing surface runoff and overwhelming drainage systems.
3. Outdated or Undersized Drainage Infrastructure:
Much of the existing drainage system was built decades ago and is no longer sufficient to handle
the increased volume of rainfall caused by climate change and urban development. These systems
are also often poorly maintained, resulting in silt buildup and reduced capacity.
4. Rapid Urbanization with Poor Zoning and Planning:
The fast growth of informal settlements and commercial developments often occurs without
proper drainage planning. Buildings are sometimes constructed over natural waterways or near
flood-prone areas, disrupting the natural flow of water and increasing flood risks.
5. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events:
The Philippines is highly vulnerable to typhoons and heavy rainfall due to its geographic location.
Climate change has intensified these weather patterns, causing stronger and more frequent storms
that existing drainage systems are not equipped to handle.
COLEGIO DE MUNTINLUPA
Posadas Avenue, Sucat, Muntinlupa City
College of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering
II. Engineering Intervention Plan:
Urban Flood-Resilient Drainage System (U-FLOWS)
Project Title: “U-FLOWS: Urban Flood-Resilient Drainage with Nature-Based and Smart Engineering
Solutions”
Objective:
To reduce urban flooding through a modern, sustainable, and resilient drainage network that integrates
nature-based solutions, smart monitoring, and community participation.
Components of the Plan:
1. Upgrading Existing Drainage Systems:
o Redesign and expand stormwater pipes based on current rainfall intensity data.
o Use permeable pavement in sidewalks and parking areas to absorb rainwater.
2. Nature-Based Flood Solutions:
o Construct rain gardens, bioswales, and green buffer zones that absorb runoff.
o Develop urban wetlands and retention ponds in vacant public spaces to store excess
rainwater.
3. Smart Drainage Monitoring:
o Install IoT-enabled sensors in key flood-prone zones to track water levels in real-time.
o Use data analytics to predict floods and activate early-warning systems.
4. Community-Based Waste Management:
o Implement waste traps at major canal inlets and promote zero-waste communities to
prevent clogging of drains.
o Launch educational campaigns on proper waste disposal.
5. Drainage Maintenance Robots:
o Deploy robotic tools for automated de-clogging and inspection of underground drainage
systems.
COLEGIO DE MUNTINLUPA
Posadas Avenue, Sucat, Muntinlupa City
College of Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering
III. Integrated Development Goals Reflected in the Plan:
Clean Water and Proper Sanitation:
The proposed drainage improvements help prevent floodwaters from mixing with sewage
and waste, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and
leptospirosis. This promotes a cleaner, healthier environment for urban communities.
Sustainable and Resilient Urban Communities:
By upgrading outdated drainage systems and integrating green infrastructure like rain
gardens and bioswales, the plan builds more livable, flood-resilient cities. It encourages
smart urban design that adapts to current and future environmental challenges.
Climate-Responsive Infrastructure and Action:
Through nature-based solutions, real-time monitoring, and better planning, this
intervention addresses the increasing impacts of climate change—such as heavier rainfall
and more frequent floods—making communities safer and more prepared.
