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Last Updated on March 4, 2019 by Lamudi
While looking for a virtually flood-free area in Metro Manila can be a stretch, there are still pockets when homebuyers can be high and dry.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is in charge of updating Filipinos about the current weather conditions and the possible effects on different locations. One of the common problems that Filipinos encounter, especially in regions like Metro Manila, is flooding during the rainy season.
When buying a property in Metro Manila, every property seeker must consider how the desired location is susceptible to flooding. In this edition of Lamudi Q&A, we are to discuss the areas in Metro Manila where flooding can be best avoided.
Q: Which Are Metro Manila’s Least Flood-Prone Areas?
A: Contrary to popular belief, there are a significant amount of areas in Metro Manila that are not susceptible to flooding. Based on current information provided by the Department of Science and Technology’s Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), these are the most ideal among those areas.
Mandaluyong
Purchasing a real estate property in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong’s central business district (CBD), is a wise investment choice. Along with Makati, Mandaluyong is a significant business district because of the multinational corporate headquarters and significant business organizations situated in Ortigas Center. Due to its proximity to numerous sizable shopping centers like Shangri-La Plaza, SM Megamall, and the Podium, it is also a favorite choice among families looking to settle down.
There are three bodies of water surrounding Mandaluyong, which may be an indication that flooding is imminent. However, due to the city’s geographical location in numerous peaks and hills, the majority of the barangays are flood-free. Mandaluyong also lies in a solid compact adobe, preventing most of its surface from absorbing too much water during heavy rain.
Quezon City
It can be argued that Quezon City has some of the most flood-free areas in the metro. Granted, it is areas in QC that are often shown on the news knee-deep in water and deemed impassable, but the city also happens to be the biggest in terms of land, and subsequently many areas that do not become a kiddie pool after torrential rainfall.
So while residents and commuters are advised by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to avoid areas like Quezon Avenue, Philcoa, and North Ave, those in QC can take solace in the fact that locations like Diliman, Teachers Village West, Cubao, Santa Mesa Heights, and many others are relatively free from the risk of floods.
Muntinlupa City
Save for the areas of the city directly facing Laguna de Bay that would naturally be a little prone to flooding due to being in direct proximity to a large natural body of water, the city of Muntinlupa is virtually flood free. Proof is that none of its areas are included in any the recent flood-prone area lists of the MMDA.
Recognized for being the home of Ayala Alabang, one of the country’s most exclusive communities, it should come as no surprise how the city puts in the effort to keep the city clean and flood-free. Muntinlupa is one of the first among the metro’s cities place a complete ban on Styrofoam and plastic packaging, essentially eliminating the types refuse that are commonly seen as the reason for blocked drainage systems.
Las Piñas City
Similar to Muntinlupa, Las Piñas’s nonsusceptibility to floods is mostly due to its being one of the cleaner cities in Metro Manila. The city still experiences floods, but most are in the areas that are close to Manila Bay, and at their worst are mostly medium level flood hazards or only around 0.5 meters deep. It is basically a testament to the local government’s efforts to ensure Las Piñas has adequate drainage systems, and the city’s overall commitment to proper waste disposal.
Taguig
It is estimated that a quarter of Taguig—from the Ligid-Tipas and Napindan areas to around the Fort Bonifacio, Wawa, and Santa Ana areas—is still at risk of medium to high levels of flooding. Not surprisingly, these are areas near Pasig, one of the more flood-prone cities in Metro Manila. The rest of the city is, however, essentially clear with little to no floods, even if Taguig is bordered by Laguna de Bay at its southeast. The city being the home of Bonifacio Global City, currently one of the most popular business districts in Metro Manila, and the future site of even newer developments like Arca South, should be indicative of investors’ faith in the city not being at risk of floods.
Caloocan
Going solely on the information displayed by the DOST’s NOAH flood maps, the city of Caloocan can be considered virtually flood-free. This applies to the Northern and Southern parts of the city, with the only areas in Caloocan shown to have any type of risks of flooding being where rivers and other natural bodies cut through.
Caloocan has successfully maintained a low risk of flooding thanks primarily to the local government’s efforts to maintain and improve its different infrastructures. Since 2014, several projects were completed in the city. A budget was also allotted for the completion of future infrastructure projects, including further improvement of city-wide drainage systems.
Makati City
As the financial capital of the Philippines, buying a property in Makati can guarantee excellent investment returns. Various corporations, business centers, lifestyle hotspots, and mixed-use developments ensure that the value of real estate properties in Makati steadily increases. As a business and financial capital, the Makati LGU ensures that most areas in the city remain flood-free during heavy rain through regular dredging operations and cleaning operations.
Parañaque City
Despite being a fringe city, Parañaque offers promising investment opportunities as it houses mixed-use developments like Entertainment City, which contains luxury malls and casinos that attract various visitors and investors. In 2014, Parañaque LGU implemented the rehabilitation of the Parañaque Spillway, a flood control management program that aimed to lessen the flooding in the city. In a follow-up study in 2022, it was revealed that the flood control program had effectively minimized the flooding issues in various districts in Makati, making it an ideal location for property seekers.
Key Reminders
If your desired property is in a flood-prone area, it is important to be aware of the laws regarding preventive measures the government might implement when flooding worsens in your area, especially if your property is surrounded by bodies of water. There are laws on bodies of water that significantly impact land ownership, which is why it is important to consider whether or not you are willing to take such risks.
Photos from Project NOAH
