Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has declared the City of Manila under state of calamity on Tuesday evening, July 22.
“Sinulatan ko po ang konseho ng Maynila through Vice Mayor Chi Atienza na bukas … kung puwede, mag-emergency session sila, dala ng kailangan na po nating ideklara ang state of calamity sa lungsod ng Maynila,” Domagoso said during an emergency broadcast.
The emergency session will be headed by Manila Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza and Majority Floor Leader of the Manila City Council Raymundo “Mon” Yupangco.
He also gave the green light for barangay officials to utilize their calamity funds on July 24 to assist constituents in need.
Domagoso revealed “burak” or thick, sticky mud was clogging Manila’s drainage system, causing the quick rise of floodwater.
“Napatunayan na namin kagabi, alas-9 ng gabi, hanggang alas-2 ng madaling araw, kung saan ginamit po natin ang DPS (Department of Public Services) MTPB (Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau) at Engineering Office para bungkalin ‘yung mga drainage system at nakita natin na totoo, na we are in the right direction, na one of the major cause ng flooding ay ang mga drainage ay barado ng burak,” he said, also thanking the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) and DPWH Manila South and Manila North for their assistance.
He reminded barangay chairmen and council members of his executive order upon assuming office that they must free the canals of blockage every Saturday.
The mayor showed his appreciation for his constituents, who noted that although there was flooding in the city, there was virtually no floating garbage to be found.
Manila pumping stations had been previously repaired but not working, he noted.
“Kami po ay hindi titigil. Bubungkalin namin ‘yan whether bumabagyo … We’ll take advantage kapag ‘yan po ay tuyo na ang ating mga kalsada at wala nang ulan,” he stressed.
Addressing barangay officials, particularly of river- and creekside areas, Domagoso said they may bring their evacuated residents to any of the approximately 104 schools, designated as “safe-keeping,” “dry” areas.
Manileños, the mayor reminded, may call 911 for all emergency purposes, especially when in need of police assistance. The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) is also constantly monitoring Manila roads, and is open “24 hours.” Moreover, the six hospitals are ready to receive patients.
