Dredging along the Marikina River got a boost Tuesday, June 30, as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) turned over a new amphibious dredger to the city government.

Mayor Maan Teodoro inspected the machine, which will reinforce the city’s existing fleet and speed up flood control operations.

“Kasabay na itong gagamitin ng ating existing dredger para mas mapabilis ang pagpapalalim at pagpapalawak ng Marikina River. Mas malaking water-carrying capacity, mas handa tayo ngayong tag-ulan (It will be used alongside our existing dredger to speed up the deepening and widening of the Marikina River. With greater water-carrying capacity, we are better prepared for the rainy season),” she said.

The local government expressed gratitude to the DPWH for helping the city in its ongoing and extensive dredging operations.

The mayor said the operations have helped prevent heavy flooding in the city, particularly for families and communities near the Marikina River.

The local government said it has acquired specialized equipment, including amphibious excavators, as part of its flood control efforts to support dredging and river maintenance activities.

It added that the dredging operations are intended to increase the river's carrying capacity, improve water flow, and reduce flood risks during periods of heavy rainfall.

“While no flood mitigation program can completely eliminate the risks posed by extreme weather events, Marikina remains focused on enhancing resilience, protecting lives and properties, and ensuring that communities are better prepared for the challenges brought about by the rainy season and other climate-related hazards,” it stated.

Prior to the inspection, Teodoro led a pre-disaster risk assessment meeting with the Marikina Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), local police and firefighters, the Schools Division Office (SDO), and other city government offices and departments to assess the city's disaster preparedness.

The city government said it continues to work with partner agencies through a whole-of-government approach to integrate and implement flood control projects, water management measures, and disaster preparedness initiatives, adding that effective flood management requires close coordination among local and national government agencies.

“Ngayong papasok na muli ang tag-ulan, tuloy-tuloy ang ating paghahanda para masigurado na ligtas ang mga taga-Marikina (With the rainy season underway, we continue our preparations to help ensure the safety of Marikina residents). We are coordinating efforts across all our frontline offices and departments to ensure the safety and welfare of our people,” she said.

The mayor also ordered the regular declogging and clearing of the city's drainage systems and waterways, particularly during the rainy season, to improve water flow and help reduce flood risks in vulnerable areas.

“Bilang paghahanda sa rainy season, mas pinaigting pa natin ang drainage declogging, at paglilinis ng mga drainage inlet upang mabawasan ang posibilidad ng surface flooding sa oras ng malalakas na pag-ulan (As part of preparations for the rainy season, we have intensified the declogging of drainage systems and the clearing of drainage inlets to help reduce the risk of surface flooding during heavy rains),” she said.

She also reminded residents to refrain from throwing garbage in the city’s river, creeks and other waterways, and practice proper waste segregation and disposal.

In addition, Teodoro instructed the concerned departments to prepare the city's 36 evacuation centers, ensuring basic necessities are adequately supplied, and community kitchens are fully equipped.

“Inatasan na rin natin na ihanda ang mga evacuation centers upang makapagbigay ng agarang tulong sa mga maaapektuhan ng malakas na ulan (We have also directed the preparation of evacuation centers to provide immediate assistance to residents who may be affected by heavy rainfall).”

The mayor also urged residents to remain vigilant during emergencies, stay updated on official advisories from the city government, monitor the Marikina River's water level, and cooperate with local authorities.