Zamboanga City Moves to Address Chronic Flooding with Major Infrastructure Project
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso has announced plans to re-channel rivers and natural tributaries in flood-prone areas as a permanent solution to the recurring flooding that displaced more than 1,200 families on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Immediate Response and Root Cause Analysis
The proposed river re-channeling project targets the Putik-Guiwan and Tugbungan areas, where Mayor Olaso conducted thorough inspections in recent days to identify the fundamental causes of the persistent flooding problem. The mayor emphasized that similar assessments have been carried out in other vulnerable villages including Sangali and Labuan, all of which experience significant inundation during heavy rainfall events.
During Monday's flag ceremony at city hall, Olaso stressed the critical need for stronger, long-term, and sustainable solutions for Zamboanga's most flood-prone communities. He pointed to recent weather disturbances, specifically Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan, as stark reminders of the city's ongoing vulnerability to extreme weather conditions.
Cross-Party Collaboration for Community Protection
Following the flag raising ceremony, the mayor joined members of the City Council for another survey of the affected areas in Guiwan, Putik, Tugbungan and adjacent neighborhoods. This joint assessment aimed to solidify plans for the proposed river re-channeling initiative.
In a call for unity, Mayor Olaso appealed to all councilors, regardless of political affiliation, to support this crucial move for the benefit of constituents who bear the brunt of annual flooding. The collaborative approach underscores the urgency of addressing what has become a perennial problem for the city's residents.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office provided context for the recent flooding event, noting that while the situation was not widespread, several areas experienced significant water accumulation due to intermittent rains and strong winds that began on Saturday night, November 8, and continued through Sunday, November 9.
The displaced families have been temporarily housed across five evacuation sites throughout Zamboanga City as local authorities work to implement both immediate relief measures and long-term solutions to the city's flooding challenges.
