Our country has suffered the impact of the continuous disregard of unregulated

disposal of garbage. Davao, a highly developed city in our country, have experienced
flooding throughout the years that most residents are exhausted of it. This is just the
minimal effect to say the least. Pollution has undergone an alarming stage that if no effort
will be done, the continuous complete disregard will surely put the people of Davao in
great danger.
A flood hazard mapping and vulnerability analysis was undertaken for Davao City.
Based on the information gathered from actual interviews, surveys, topographic and
geomorphologic analysis, barangays that are prone to flooding have been identified on
the alluvial floodplain of Davao and Talomo Rivers. These include the barangays of City
Poblacion District: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12, 19, 21, 22, 23, and 40-D; Talomo District; Talomo
Proper, Bucana, Ma-a, Matina Crossing, Matina Aplaya, Bago Aplaya; Buhangin District:
Tigatto, Buhangin Mandug, Waan and Callawa; Agdao District: Agdao, Gov. Vicente
Duterte, Centro and Lapu-lapu; and Tugbok District: New Valencia, Talandang and New
Carmen.
Their geographical location, being close to Davao Gulf and river channels make
them highly vulnerable to flood hazard. To identify the vulnerability of the human and the
built environment to the impact of the flood hazard, information such as population, critical
facilities, the type of housing and other socio-economic data have been considered. The
hazard map shows the remarkable geographical differences of areas that are at risk to
flooding, the low-lying barangays having a high degree of exposure to flood hazard. The
geographical areas highly affected by floods are overlaid with demographic data and the
final analysis shows where vulnerable people and assets are in relation to hazardous
areas.
The major cause of flooding is weather-related caused by high intensity or long
duration rainfall and sea swells. Other contributory factors aggravating flooding are due
to human actions like rapid urbanization, constriction of the waterways, encroachment of
natural drainage path by informal settlers, and insufficient drainage system. The result of
the social survey is also presented in this study to assess the general perception and the
level of awareness and preparedness of the local community to flood hazard.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has inked a deal with
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a feasibility study and master plan on
flood control and drainage in Davao City. The project aims to enhance the river basin and
improve drainage system in Davao City in accordance with JICA’s Environmental and
Social Considerations. The agreement aims to prevent flooding in the city by enhancing
the river basin and improving the drainage system.
 Davao City’s Flood Control and Drainage Project Master Plan and Feasibility Study
will be finalized within 24-month time frame, and by then can be utilized in implementing
projects that will mitigate damage of flooding in Davao City,” the DPWH said in a
statement.
The project would be carried out in three stages – consolidation of basic
information or data relevant to the project; creating a master plan the drainage and flood-
control system, which includes the Davao River, Matina River, and Talomo River Basin
and conducting a feasibility study on urgent or priority projects.