In Manila, the Philippines, Veronica Castillo, a resident of a flood-prone area, lives on the top floor of her home due to the risk of flooding. Despite government efforts to address the issue, including the construction of a pumping station nearby, progress has been slow and the area continues to be inundated. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has dedicated significant funds to address flooding in the country, but cities like Metro Manila still struggle with the impact of frequent typhoons. The government’s approach, focused on building concrete infrastructure to drain excess water, has been criticized as inadequate by experts who point to the need for a more holistic and sustainable solution. Despite the large budget allocated for flood control projects, concerns about corruption and lack of transparency remain. Residents like Castillo are left facing the uncertainty of future floods and the need to seek shelter in overcrowded evacuation centers during disasters.
