The city’s hidden defense against floods
Today’s catastrophes reveal yesterday’s triumphs.
In recent weeks, parts of the Philippines experienced devastating floods. Many places were submerged in dirty rainwater, causing traffic disruptions, health risks and property damage. Metro Manila and nearby areas, in particular, bore the brunt of the rains, as several homes, buildings and communities were inundated.
There were a few places, however, that stood strong against the waters. One was a church in Macabebe, Pampanga, which remained dry amid its flooded neighbors due to its well-built fence and effective sandbagging measures.
Another example can be found in communities near the ongoing Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project (PMRCIP), which experienced reductions in flooding of up to 63 percent.
Lastly, various urban estates across Metro Manila held up against the storm, thanks to well-executed flood control designs.
These experiences show how preparation and good design can help protect communities from the disasters that often plague our country. When planned well and executed properly, flood-proofing measures can make all the difference to communities during the worst of times.
Today, let us explore how one developer, in particular, ensures the safety of its inhabitants by integrating flood-proofing measures into the design of its projects.
A tank beneath the park
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is one place that rarely makes the news during the worst of storms. Its protector lies hidden underground, directly beneath Burgos Circle.
A 22-million-liter detention tank lies beneath the surface of the area. It is capable of holding stormwater equivalent to the volume of eight Olympic-sized swimming pools.
When heavy rains occur, stormwater flows into the tank instead of collecting on the streets. The tank temporarily stores the floodwater and gradually releases its contents into nearby creeks leading to the Pasig River when it’s safe to do so. This system helps keep BGC protected from flooding during severe weather.
A garden designed to protect
Another project by Ayala Land that effectively helps control flooding is Vertis North in Quezon City.
The area features a one-hectare rain garden, which serves as a natural flood basin during heavy rains.
Sidewalks are designed to be porous, allowing water to seep into the soil. Runoff is directed through perforated pipes leading to a detention pond. The pond serves as a temporary storage area for stormwater, which is then gradually released into nearby creeks after the rains subside.
Designed with nature as a key element, this system helps prevent flooding while supporting animal habitats at the same time. While it may look like a simple body of water to visitors, the pond plays an important role in protecting the Vertis North community during the rainy season.
A community saved by an invisible force
Arca South in Taguig City similarly reflects Ayala Land’s focus on flood-resilient design.
Underneath this planned estate, an underground stormwater detention tank helps protect its residences, facilities and infrastructure from flooding. It is connected to several manholes, bioswales and outlets to facilitate maintenance and manage water flow.
Located beneath the community’s parks and roads, the tank works largely out of sight to help protect the estate during heavy rains and typhoons.
Stormwater pipes and drainage systems direct runoff into the tank, helping reduce the risk of flooding across the estate. The tank is designed to withstand heavy loads while supporting continuous drainage, providing long-term flood protection for the community.
One of the first neighborhoods to benefit from Ayala Land’s flood-control measures in Arca South is Gardencourt Residences.
Occupying 2 ha, the community is made up of five residential towers surrounded by lush courtyards and pocket gardens. With its well-appointed amenities, convenient location and thoughtfully designed living spaces, Gardencourt Residences offers residents the added benefit of being part of an estate designed with flood resilience in mind.
Resilience through great planning
There is still hope for the Philippines.
Those that withstood the storms and floods this year tell us one thing: Flood control is only effective if it is planned well and executed correctly.
Companies like Ayala Land apply this concept to their communities and projects, preventing flood devastation and unnecessary losses. Other places can learn from this developer and prevent floods even before they submerge our lands.
Perhaps it is time to focus on ensuring flood-preventive measures are designed and carried out correctly. We all must do our part to prevent these catastrophes for the sake of our loved ones and our prized possessions.
Sources: Ralff Nestor Nacor via Wikimedia Commons; https://ayalaland.com
The author is a self-employed architect with over a decade worth of experience under the tutelage of Filipino architectural firms, and has a Master’s Degree in Interior Design of Commercial Spaces from IED Barcelona, Spain
