Author(s): Riza Oiga; Marvin Jambre; Christian Quintos
Linked Author(s): Riza Oiga
Keywords: Project iFloat Urban Flood Mitigation Flood Resilience Flood Management Floating Barscreen Marikina City Flooding Climate Change Climate adaptation Solid Waste Management Balante Creek Environmental Innovation Wastewater Treatment Manila Water Company Marikina North Sewage Treatment Plant (MKN STP) Urban Flood Management Community Engagement Sustainable Development Sustainable Water Solutions Innovative Infrastructure Singapore International Water Week Cost-effective Flood Solutions Environmental Sustainability Solid Waste Accumulation Creek Overflow Prevention Philippines Flooding Solutions Public Health and Safety Philippines Flood Control Metro Manil
Abstract: ABSTRACT Marikina City, located in Metro Manila, Philippines, is highly prone to flooding, particularly during the rainy season (June to November) 1. At the event that a rainstorm passes through Marikina City, the Marikina River reaches a level of eighteen (18) meters on average, while peaking at 22 meters during extreme cases. Approximately 180,000 residents, representing 43% of the total population in Marikina City, are directly affected by flooding annually. Solid waste accumulation in waterways, such as Balante Creek, obstructs water flow and intensifies overflow risks. Despite ongoing mitigation efforts, flooding remains a persistent challenge. To address this, Manila Water’s Wastewater Operations team implemented Project iFloat, a cost-effective initiative involving the fabrication and installation of floating bar screens (Fig. 1) at Balante Creek, Marikina City. During the pilot phase, these screens captured approximately twenty-four (24) m3 of solid waste monthly, resulting in an evident reduction in flood-related incidents from August to November 2024. Beyond flood mitigation, the project also increases wastewater treatment utilization at the Marikina North Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) by improving wastewater flow acceptance. As urban flooding remains a critical challenge worldwide, intensified by rapid urbanization, inadequate waste management, and climate change - Project iFloat demonstrates an innovative and scalable solution to flood-prone cities globally, combining low-cost infrastructure (~150usd/unit of floating bar screen) with active community participation and environmental stewardship. In its next phase by 2025, the project aims to enhance its design and expand its reach to other flood-prone areas such as Pasig, Taguig, and Navotas, where it is expected to mitigate similar flooding challenges. Planned improvements include modular bar screens for densely populated urban areas, cost-effective materials for resource-limited communities, and adaptable configurations to address diverse geographic and environmental conditions. This initiative underscores Manila Water’s dedication to mitigating urban flooding across Metro Manila while fostering sustainable and resilient communities.
Year: 2025