Politics · Philippines Bureau
Dagupan cathedral's innovative flood control system to be replicated nationwide
Philippine officials are planning to adopt the flood management solution developed by St. John Cathedral in Dagupan City as a model for other areas vulnerable to flooding. The system channels rainwater into an underground cistern beneath the cathedral's parking lot, keeping the church and its grounds dry during heavy rains.
LSN Philippines ·
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has expressed intention to replicate the flood control system devised by St. John Cathedral in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, as a nationwide solution to urban water management challenges. The innovative approach channels floodwater into a cistern located beneath the cathedral's parking lot, effectively protecting the church structure and courtyard from inundation during rainy periods.
The underground cistern system represents a practical approach to managing excess stormwater in flood-prone urban areas. By capturing and storing water that would otherwise accumulate on streets and in buildings, the solution addresses recurring flooding issues that plague many Philippine communities during the monsoon season.
Pangasinan Fourth District Representative Gina de Venecia has also endorsed the initiative, signaling regional support for the replication efforts. Officials believe the cathedral's model could be adapted for various institutional and residential settings across the country, providing a cost-effective infrastructure solution for flood mitigation.
The proposed nationwide adoption of the system comes amid growing concerns about climate-related flooding and the need for sustainable urban drainage solutions in the Philippines. If successfully implemented in other municipalities, the cistern-based approach could significantly reduce water damage to buildings and improve public safety during extreme weather events.