‘Sponge city’ principle eyed in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — To allow Metro Manila to absorb and store excess water for future use, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is planning to turn the metropolis into a “sponge city.”

The proposal is part of Metro Manila’s flood management framework and will include green buildings and water retention interventions, such as permeable pavement, underground reservoirs, wetlands, parks and green roof.

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes met with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to discuss the concept last Sept. 4.

Based on a photo from the meeting, the sponge city concept would also contain riverside esplanades and walkways that integrate run-off capture and “nature-based solutions.”

In a statement, the MMDA said the concepts would enable an area to “absorb, store and reuse rainwater like a sponge.”

The MMDA said the concepts may need in-city resettlement in green buildings and the promotion of solid waste management, including community-based behavior change and materials recovery facilities.

Earlier, the MMDA pushed the construction of rainwater catch basins in Manila and Quezon Cities to be able to store rainwater and avoid massive flooding during heavy rainfall.

Aside from the concept, the MMDA and the AIIB also discussed the implementation of the Flood Management Project Phase 1 that aims to carry out solid waste management programs in Metro Manila communities.