Fernando vows less floodings in Metro

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Bayani Fernando said that "with a little prayer" that it will not rain as hard, he promises less floodings in the metropolis. He said his dual function as DPWH head concurrent Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has made the recurring problem of massive floodings easier to resolve.

"Now there is only one person to blame so there would no longer be any finger-pointing on who is responsible (for the floodings)," said Fernando.

The former Marikina City mayor said the DPWH and MMDA field personnel are now working to clear gutters and creeks of silts and garbage some four months before the rainy season starts in June. Fernando said anti-littering laws will be strictly enforced in the future.

Fernando said he is also currently studying the possibility of searching and recovering lost waterways as a long term solution.

Prior to being appointed as DPWH Secretary last month, however, all flood related functions of the DPWH were transferred to the MMDA last year due to persistent floodings. DPWH reasoned last year that floodings were due to a high volume of rain water which it claimed was four times than normal. – Jose Aravilla