Wanted: Solution to tidal flooding

DAGUPAN prides itself in being the commercial and business center of the province as well as being one of the premier cities in the Northern Luzon region. Another jewel to the city’s crown is its status as the Bangus Capital of the World.

But all that glory is easily undermined by — and could readily be lost to — the tidal flooding that has of late worsened with a bigger area of the city now affected, higher flood water levels,  and extended periods before the water recedes.

Literally, the floodwater is washing away advancements that the city officials, business sector and residents have been working hard for. The education of many children are compromised because they are unable to go to school due to flooded residential areas where they live or have to bear learning with soaked feet in schools that are underwater. Businesses in the downtown area lose potential income, not to mention the added stress of having to move their goods around the flood. And needless to say, flooding is a general inconvenience to the public.

It is no secret that the coastal city of Dagupan is situated in a low-lying area. Long-time residents attest that the tidal flooding is not a new phenomenon, having experienced this as far back as the 1970s.

But for officials to say that there is no solution to the problem is fatalistic. And unacceptable.

Dagupaneños have shown their strength and resolve by rising above the rubble left by the 1990 earthquake. It does not deserve to be easily surrendered to daily flooding simply because officials claim that the root of the problem is global warming, a phenomenon much bigger and way beyond the city.

Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr., comparing Dagupan to cities in other Asian countries that are also frequented by rains and floods, may be correct in saying that the flooding could be turned into an opportunity. But that is assuming the city has given up on living on dry land. The city government has yet to fully exhaust all means, with help from national agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways, to keep our feet dry during high tide.

Long term solutions must be thought about and should not be limited to dredging the river, improving infrastructure such as drainage systems and roads, building dikes or channels to divert water. A holistic approach must be achieved. The private sector and the community, judging from their response to the city earthquake experience, can surely be counted upon to do their part to sort out the perennial flooding problem.

But officials must never ever say that the people simply have to live with it. It is defeatish and does not reflect the spirit of Dagupeños.

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