Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.
After the heavy rains that poured over parts of Metro Manila on Friday, several residents of Valenzuela City expressed dismay as floodwaters inundated their homes, which became increasingly vulnerable to flooding following local road-elevation projects.
In a “24 Oras” report by Bea Pinlac, Shiala Gaviola was forced to lock up her flooded house. She and her husband are temporarily staying with a neighbor whose home has a second floor.
“Tiis lang kasi dito kami naghanapbuhay. Pagod, ma’am, pero tinitiis lang,” Gaviola said.
(We just have to endure it because our livelihood is here. It’s exhausting, but we have no choice but to carry on.)
According to local residents, their streets have been elevated multiple times over the years. However, as the roads got higher, their homes sank deeper into floodwaters.
“Mababa na kasi ‘yung lugar namin tapos mataas na ‘yung kalsada, kaya ang tungo ng tubig doon sa amin. Eh wala pong magagawa, talagang tiis na lang,” said fellow resident Boyet Dalimocon.
(Our area was already low-lying, and now that the road has been raised, all the water drains directly into our homes. There’s nothing we can do about it except endure it.)
On Friday morning, continuous heavy rains poured over Metro Manila. In Valenzuela, floodwaters rose rapidly along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Dalandanan.
Motorists and commuters faced a series of challenges, including heavy downpours, severe flooding, crawling traffic, and rough roads.
“Delikado po ‘yung ganon, baha na nga tapos lubak-lubak pa. Hindi makita lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga naka-motor di makita kung nasaan ‘yung lubak,” said Victor Umalis, a motorist.
(It’s really dangerous—not only is it flooded, but the road is full of potholes. You can’t see where the holes are, especially if you’re riding a motorcycle.)
“Sobrang delikado po lalo na pag hindi siya nakikita, kasi may chance po na masemplang yung mga rider,” added another motorist, Jhonnel Sandagon.
(It’s extremely risky when you can’t see the road conditions because riders could easily crash.)
Several drivers opted to turn back due to the high water levels.
By the afternoon, as the rain eased, floodwaters began to subside along parts of MacArthur Highway. However, flooding in some areas, including G. Lazaro Street, remained.
GMA News has reached out to the Valenzuela Local Government Unit (LGU) for a statement regarding the residents’ complaints. Previously, the LGU stated that the city’s pumping stations are fully operational to help floodwaters recede quickly. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/LDF, GMA News
