SCIENCE-LED FLOOD ACTION: UP experts to develop hydrologic model to aid Iloilo flood planning

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City is turning to science to confront its flood concerns by tapping experts from the University of the Philippines–Diliman (UP) to craft a hydrologic model that will guide evidence-based planning and disaster resilience programs.

The City Council last week approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu to sign a memorandum of agreement with several experts.

Treñas-Chu noted the resolution as urgent, citing the city’s tight timetable to address its flood crisis ahead of the rainy season.

Under the agreement, the consultants will conduct a flood susceptibility analysis covering the city’s rivers and other water bodies for at least four months.

This includes assessing existing river capacity, determining water levels, and evaluating possible flood impacts across barangays.

The methodology for the study will involve tabletop data gathering and analysis, field surveys, and the creation of a hydrologic model simulation to better understand the causes of flooding.

The data gathered will include topographic, hydro-meteorological, geological, land use/land cover, and other relevant information from various agencies.

Unlike drainage-focused interventions, the study will concentrate on river systems and floodplains.

Findings are expected to guide both immediate response strategies and long-term infrastructure planning.

This marks the first time Iloilo City has engaged a consultant through honoraria instead of traditional bidding or contract of service arrangements.

The city government said the experts will conduct fieldwork only on weekends to comply with the prohibition on double compensation.

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) head Donna Magno will be responsible for monitoring the progress of the study.

“This will deepen our understanding of the risks that we face when it comes to flooding,” she said.

“The data that we will get from here will be used in our dream of having a master plan for drainage,” she added, noting that the study’s findings can also be used in land use planning and prioritization of projects.

Magno clarified that the creation of an updated topographic map will not be part of the consultancy service, but noted that the CDRRMO is undertaking a separate effort with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.