Dolomite beach not to blame? DENR claims climate change cause of Metro floods

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'Assessing the causes of flooding must be rooted in science-based analysis, particularly in light of changing weather patterns influenced by climate change,' the DENR says

MANILA, Philippines – “Striking” increase in rainfall over the past decade, as exacerbated by climate change, had overwhelmed Metro Manila’s drainage system leading to significant floods, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said in a statement on Thursday, July 17.

The statement comes after Metropolitan Manila Development Authority officials cited the DENR’s dolomite beach project as one of the reasons behind flooding in Metro Manila.

“Assessing the causes of flooding must be rooted in science-based analysis, particularly in light of changing weather patterns influenced by climate change,” the DENR’s statement read.

Earlier this week as quoted in reports, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said that with the creation of the dolomite beach, three outfalls where water was discharged had been closed down.

This was echoed by MMDA Director Mark Navarro in a radio interview on Tuesday, July 15, when he said, “Ngayon po nagkataon po dahil po because po doon sa project natin na i-rehab ang Manila Bay, nahaharangan po ‘yung ating — ‘yung drainage system po doon.”

(Now because of the project there to rehabilitate Manila Bay, it’s blocking the drainage system there.)

Navarro said the MMDA is looking for solutions to ease flooding in the metro without necessarily removing the dolomite beach.

In 2020, the DENR pushed through with the beach nourishment project, a 500-meter strip of crushed dolomite rocks along Manila Baywalk. At the onset, the project was criticized for the material used and the hazards it could impose on the ecosystem. It was considered ill-timed as the world was grappling with the first year of the pandemic.

These are some of the issues that Bicol Saro Representative Terry Ridon raised in a resolution seeking a House probe into the necessity, cost, and contribution to flooding of the dolomite beach.

While the DENR emphasized a science-based analysis of flooding assessments, the agency did not comment on criticisms against its dolomite beach project.

The environment department, however, suggested that local governments improve drainage design and solid waste management, invest in green infrastructure, and involve communities in the implementation of flood mitigation programs. – Rappler.com