Congressman Arjo Atayde Urges to Expedite Anti-Flooding Projects in PH

It's a sad, but we all have to face the reality that climate change is happening and we are getting the rut of its impact especially those located in coastlines, remote islands, plains, mountains, even cities too.

The weather has not been like what we have experienced in the past, and the existence of Super Typhoons has already broken what we all thought was already strong, not good. These days, it's not just the wind we're scared about. It's also the rain, the rising tides and ultimately, the flooding. We've been paralyzed in one way or another and this cost billions of damages, not just on property, but also lives.

We're so used to managing it, doing temporary band aid measures so it's so nice to hear someone acting on it. Recently. Congressman Arjo Atayde of the 1st District of Quezon City urging the government offices to prioritize the proper management and fast track completion of flood control projects especially in prone areas. This was said in his privilege speech on Tuesday and also proposes a Czar specifically just for that.

He utters "It's but timely to put one in the Executive branch to particularly address and ensure who will be responsible for coordinating with DPWH and MMDA. By putting a "Flooding Czar" NCR's various local government projects will be fast tracked putting priorities where it's due." He also made mention about the Metro Manila Flood Management Project that involves over 36 pumping stations, plus construction of 20 more (by October 2024), but so far only 1 has been acted upon. He also is pushing for funding from DPWH to make further studies in addressing this issue. It would also include the construction of retarding ponds in places like malls, schools, basketball courts, play areas, including the San Juan River.

Arjo also worries about his constituents like in Barangay Mariblo, Barangay Sto. Domingo and Barangay Talayan who already has experienced waist deep floods, to hopefully rid it with a more permanent solution for years to come. He also made samples out of Barangays in Bungad, San Antonio, Katipunan and Damayan who experienced knee deep floods. We are resilient people, but we should never resort to normalizing what we do during natural disasters and calamities. It cost the country 60.07 Billion last year and we should all do our part in making sure nothing bad like this would happen. The "Flood Czar" should take care of that.

Fixing Cars

I have been helping my friends fix cars that were ravaged by super typhoon ONDOY which has affected thousands of families and killed hundreds of people east of Manila. Some are not salvageable already because of the mixed water and mud that penetrated engines because of the flood. I checked the ac compressor and saw the need for me to change these units so I could get ample amount of air flowing through the auto mobile while purchasing stuff for the other broken down cars. I would like to get more into detail but some are not even English to me because of the technical nature.

My cousins helped clean the hood; and did it for free because these people really need help. Sometimes I wonder how they were able to survive without food and drink for two days and manage to keep afloat when the flood waters reached over 6 feet. Imagine some of the heavily damaged vehicles floated to other streets and was found a couple of days later. I need contacts; and people who know where to get discounted air conditioning parts. I should consider purchasing them on line so I would be able to get a better deal. They need my help and the last thing I would need to do is charge them outrageous prices. I will take a look on how I can save precious money so they can start rebuilding their lives. Going to work would require them the need to have their vehicles fixed. I will help them.

Remembering Typhoon ONDOY

We had a couple of months watching the rain pour down in Manila that flooded most of the eastern part of the city. I believe in divine intervention but it never happened here. It ravaged most of my office mates houses and trashed all the appliances, cars and livelihood they have in the PASIG - RIZAL Area. It was a nightmare for all of us and I wish there was something we could have done to make life better. Our house was not spared because part of the roof gave in. Rain water washed in the ceiling and rendered our piano unusable, pictures wet and sofa disfigured. I was really not into handyman jobs so I employed the work of professionals to do the deed. I was really not happy with the existing Metal Roofing we had so I had it redone. I was uncomfortable sleeping because I kept thinking about the others. I was even lucky on such an unfortunate day.

Things that I did not even see on our roof came down. Imagine black mold crumbling down together with the rain water. It made the place doubly filthy. I know I had to make them cement based or stainless treated. Roofing contractors agreed about the suggestions I made and got the best there is from the market. Installed it a week after the typhoon and made guarantees that we would not experience it again. What a good day to start over and I hope we all start rebuilding our lives and never lose hope that everything will be fine.