Sustaining Esturial Creeks: Water Corridors in Mitigating Flooding in Manila, Philippines

Abstract

This paper articulates that estuarial creeks as water corridors are essential part of urban flooding mitigation. These water corridors drain excess water from the city to the bay area reducing inland flooding while at the same time flushing pollutants during tidal changes. Using an institutional analysis, it is argued that estuarial creek rehabilitation in the City of Manila, Philippines is based on mandate, policies, legal frame, and programs. Results show that the estuarial creeks have been silent witnesses to the changing human landscape of Manila. These water corridors in congested Manila have been cleared, cleaned and widened by government agencies but were not maintained as natural space breaks in mitigating flood due to short term targets. Their deteriorating conditions have added to Manila's waterway misery. In conclusion, the rehabilitation of the esteros is a reflection of the institutional arrangements in managing the waterway system in Metro Manila.