Address weeks-long flood, Malabon mayor urged

MANILA, Philippines — Residents of Malabon inundated Mayor Jeannie Sandoval with appeals for help as she assumed office yesterday after low-lying parts of the city have been flooded for the past three weeks.

Netizens posted their calls for help as comments on a photo Sandoval – known for her slogan, “Ahon, Malabon” – posted on Facebook page of her inauguration as mayor on June 30. The Filipino word ahon can mean to ascend or to get out of the water.

Most of the appeals for help came from residents of Barangay Hulong Duhat and Dampalit, who said their houses have been destroyed by the flooding that started around three weeks ago.

“Umahon na po tayo, magkaka-alipunga na ako (Let’s get out of the water, I might get athlete’s foot)!” one netizen said.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has vowed to speed up the repair of two defective floodgates in Malabon and Navotas, though it said fixing underwater components remains a challenge.

In a statement, Sandoval promised to help residents, saying she would be “one call away.”

She said the city government would accept new methods and technologies to ensure Malabon’s food security.