Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officials have met with local executives of Malabon and Navotas to discuss the ongoing rehabilitation of a navigational gate that was damaged three months ago.
A barge forcibly entered the channel from the sea, causing damage to the navigation gate in Barangay Tanza Uno in Navotas on June 7. Several barangays in Malabon and Navotas experienced flooding, especially during high tide, due to the malfunctioning gate.
During the Friday meeting, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco, and Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval agreed on established protocols for ship entry and exit to prevent future gate destruction.
Representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), PNP Maritime, and Shipyard Association also attended the meeting held at the MMDA main office in Pasig.
The officials agreed to install flood lights and LED boards at the stations to properly monitor the condition of the navigational gate being repaired, making it visible to ship owners and operators.
The MMDA continues to coordinate with the DPWH and members of the shipyard association to facilitate the renovation of the navigational gate to prevent flooding problems in the coming tropical cyclones.
Sandoval and Tiangco expressed appreciation to Artes and the MMDA for providing immediate action to repair the navigational gate. Both officials acknowledged that flooding was alleviated in the cities of Malabon and Navotas when tropical cyclone “Enteng” passed.
