Sagip Batis prevents major flooding in QC

Sagip Batis, a program involving the massive clean-up of creeks, rivers and other waterways in Quezon City, has reduced flooding incidents from 38 barangays in 2004 to only 25 at the height of tropical storm Florita in the last two days, a top city official said yesterday.

Manuel Sabalza, chief of the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), said that as of yesterday noon, the city disaster coordinating center has monitored only minor flooding in at least 25 barangays.

"There has been no major flooding despite the heavy rains", Sabalza told The STAR.

Sabalza said the city government, in coordination with national government agencies, is also monitoring major waterways, particularly the Tullahan River to ensure the safety of residents.

He said they are also on alert for the possible overflow of the La Mesa Dam in East Fairview.

The DPOS chief said, however, that La Mesa Dam has not reached the critical level as of yesterday.

Sagip Batis, or Saving the Streams, was implemented by Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. in 2003. The program involved the participation of some 1,000 residents living along waterways in various parts of the city.

Apart from clearing operations, residents also keep watch on illegal dumping of garbage.

The clearing operation is being carried out in coordination with the Metro Manila Development Authority, which provided heavy equipment and dump trucks in hauling debris from the waterways.

Sagip Batis has been cited by a Japan-based disaster management agency as among the sound practices being implemented in the mega cities all over the world.