Mayor John Rey Tiangco expressed plans to automate the 59 pumping stations in Navotas to bolster the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations against flooding in the city.
In his speech during the Philippine Science Centrum’s Mobile Interactive Hands-on Exhibits at Kapitbahayan Elementary School, Tiangco underscored the need to harness science and technology to address issues in Navotas.
He said automation will make it easier for the city government to monitor the status of all the pumping stations.
He narrated that Navotas started having pumping stations, also known by Navoteños as “bombastik,” in 2007 during the term of then-mayor now Rep. Toby Tiangco.
“Back then, we had around 20 bombastik. It was still easy for Cong Toby to call or exchange text messages with operators to monitor the status of all pumping stations,” he said.
“Now, we have 59 and coordination with all the operators is a bit challenging. That is why we need to establish a system that will make it easy for us to secure smooth operation of all our pumping stations,” Mayor Tiangco added.
He encouraged young Navoteños to think of solutions to common problems or issues with the use of technology.
“Explore how you can harness the power of technology in solving the problems we experience every day,” the mayor said.
Pumping stations form part of Navotas’ flood control and mitigation system. The city also has coastal dikes and river walls to ensure that perennial flooding will remain a thing of the past, Tiangco said.