WHO IS ON TOP OF THE METRO MANILA FLOOD PROBLEMS?

I think the common understanding in Metro Manila is that local floods are the problems of the LGUs, but it becomes the problems of the DPWH if the floods cross the jurisdiction of two or more localities. That is probably a fair understanding, even if it is always given that flood waters know no boundaries and they do cross multiple jurisdictions. And where does the MMDA get into the picture? Apparently, the common understanding in Metro Manila is that the MMDA is mainly responsible only for solving the problems about garbage and traffic, but not the problems about the floods. That appears to be the wrong understanding, because both garbage and floods could cause traffic, and somehow these three problems are intertwined. As its name suggests, the MMDA is supposed to be a “development authority” that should not focus only on short term problems, but they should also look long term because of their planning function, and to me, that is what “development” actually means. To be more specific, the MMDA should focus more on “sustainable development”, “sustainable” being the operative word. It appears that the problem of floods in Metro Manila is a political problem, rather than a technical problem. If only the local Mayors could put aside their political agendas, more technical solutions could be implemented. We are not lacking in technical experts who could help. IKE SENERES/1-5-2024