On November 16, 2020, CCARPH Co-proponent Ms. Jessica Dator-Bercilla presented extreme flooding studies to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas to enhance the flood preparedness of the city. The studies were informed by Coastal Cities at Risk in the Philippines, Manila Observatory, University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), among others.

The following points and major research findings were highlighted in the discussion:

1) Iloilo City is an alluvial fan that captures waters from mountains of the Province;

2) The entire city has low coastal elevation;

3) Iloilo City is at risk to floods and landslides

4) Because of its geological features and its relationship to Tigum Aganan, Jaro, Iloilo, and Jalaur River basins, the mechanism of run-offs (e.g. infiltration, excess and saturation excess) need to be better understood by Iloilo City;

5) Zoning plans over areas with high potential for groundwater recharge need to be reviewed;

6) multiple choke points in waterways violate laws (e.g., on easements);

7) Bodies of water and waterways have already vanished and have been built over.

From UPV website: UPV and Iloilo City Mayor’s Office collaborate on preventive and preparedness measures against flooding

This meeting was also featured in the Panay News: UPV, Iloilo City collab vs flooding.

_{Blog post arranged by Ina Salas / CCARPH Project Management Team}