More parks, open spaces seen to curb flooding in Davao city

DAVAO City — An environmentalist group here believed that expansion of parks and green spaces  with in highly urbanized cities like Davao City would be one of the solutions to the flooding problem.

In an interview, Lemuel Manalo, environmental research specialist at the Interface Development Interventions Inc. said putting up more green spaces such as parks “is easier than maintaining the drainage systems.”

“It’s easier unlike permeable spaces. The water in hardscape pavements all go to the drainage system which, when it overflows, cause flood,” Manalo said.

He said public parks can also act as “rainwater basins” by excavating a portion of it to act as “water detention ponds” during rainy season and as an open green space during dry season.

IDIS said the government should opt to use permeable pavements where rainwater may penetrate.

The group urged the City Environment and Natural Resources to develop parks in flood prone areas in the city including Matina Crossing, Matina Pangi, Matina Aplaya, Langub, Magtuod, Maa and Talomo “to properly adopt sustainable and resilient plants that will aid in flood control.”

It lauded the city government though, for allocating three new areas to be developed as parks. During her first State of the City Address, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the city has identified the Marfori area for a botanical garden, the Sta Ana Wharf for an open space for rest and recreational activities and the Agdao flyover for a minipark and a skate park.

But IDIS said “more can be done to make Davao City at par with the International Green Space Standards in terms of allocation and accessibility.”

“Davao City has the resources and is well capable to provide its residents access to open spaces which are vital to health and well-being for us,” said Chinkie Peliño-Golle, IDIS executive director. (davaotoday.com)