A Proposed Flood Mitigation Plan at Desta Homes Subdivision, Atlag, Malolos, Bulacan

A Research Presented to the Faculty of Undergraduate School

Bulacan State University

City of Malolos, Bulacan

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

By:

Sherry Rose A. Gesim

Karen L. Manalo

Dorel Jan T. Perlas

Patricia Bernadette R. Capati

 2018

CHAPTER I

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Flooding is considered to be one of the most common and most destructive natural

hazards. It is a natural occurrence where a large quantity of water overflows into an area which is

normally dry. It can cause excessive damage to property, loss of livestock, destruction of crops

and even loss of human life. Floods are triggered by heavy rainfall, tropical storms, and dam

break.

Floods usually occur during rainy season where there are numerous amounts of rainfall.

As relative sea level increases due to climate change, it no longer takes a strong typhoon to cause

flooding. Flooding now occurs with high tides in different areas due to climate-related sea level

rise, land subsidence, and the loss of natural barriers. One of the ways people do to minimize

flooding is through directing water into an outlet, hence, the drainage system.

A drainage system is a system of natural and artificial channel which is designed so that

the water flows away quickly and is disposed of in a surface watercourse. It is important to have

an efficient drainage system in order to allow water to flow away from the ground as soon as

possible in order to prevent flooding.

Subdivisions adapt the drainage system with the end goal to manage the flow of water

inside or around property and pass on water to an appropriate outlet. The drainage system of the
subdivision shall abide to the natural drainage pattern of the subdivision site and shall drain into

appropriate water bodies or public drainage system. Not following the standards for establishing

an effective drainage system may result for different problems to arise.

According to “The United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human

Security”, Philippines ranks third on the 2017 World Risk Report, which indicates "the risk of

disaster in consequence of extreme natural events" in 171 countries around the world. The World

Risk Index (WRI) measure each country’s exposure or risk of being struck by natural disasters

like hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, drought, and rising sea levels.

On August 2018, Water Level in Ipo and Bustos Dams in Bulacan has reached spilling

level, prompting authorities to open gates. Over the weekend, the water level at Ipo Dam reached

101.13 meters, higher by .13 meter than its spilling level of 101 meters while the water level at

Bustos Dam hit 17.52 meters, a .02-meter more than its spilling level of 17.50 meters. The

Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said Ipo Dam

opened its radial gate 1 while Bustos Dam opened 1 and 2 sluice gates on Saturday. As of

Monday morning (August 13), the radial gate of Bustos Dam was fully opened and already

released over 1,500 cms of water, according to the PDRRMO. Villages in the towns of Hagonoy

and Bulakan were the most affected of the release and again submerged with waters due to the

overflowing of rivers. The PDRRMO said at least 31 villages in Bulacan were inundated by the

monsoon rains that prompted the provincial government to place rescue teams on alert in flooded

areas particularly in Calumpit, Marilao, and Meycauayan. (UNTV News and Rescue, 2018).

Several barangays in San Jose del Monte, Sta. Maria, Bocaue and Marilao, Bulacan were

submerged in floodwaters several deep on August 3, 2018. Rivers in the affected areas

overflowed at around 4 a.m. due to rainwater that flowed from deforested areas of the Sierra
Madre Mountain range in San Jose del Monte, according to reports from the Provincial Disaster

Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). The PDRRMO said that three villages in

Sta. Maria was affected by flooding, six in Bocaue, three in Marilao, and five in San Jose Del

Monte. (Ramon Efren Lazaro, The Philippine Star, 2018).

Flash floods hit part of Metro Manila on June 21, 2018, as a thunderstorm brought heavy

rain. A thunderstorm is a weather system that affects certain areas at a certain time that usually

lasts up to two hours. It brings moderate to heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. The Metropolitan

Manila Development Authority (MMDA), states that the flash floods hit a lot of areas and made

roads unpassable. Due to the flash flood, traffic worsened further on the said date (Rappler,

2018).

In 2012, the excavation of the river was the only way they did to relieve the flood, but no

further plans followed that. The only thing day do up to date to lessen the flooding is dredging

the canals around the subdivision before the rainy season commences.

Different towns in Bulacan experience high-tide flooding which has been worsening

through the years. Even those who live in subdivisions particularly those who are residing at

Desta Homes in Malolos, Bulacan also experience high tide flooding. Desta Homes subdivision

was not spared by flooding caused by imminent rain and high tide. It is experiencing floods not

only during the rainy season but also on a sunny day because of the high tide which affects the

daily life of the subdivision’s residents.

Desta Homes Subdivision lies near the Atlag River. Once the river is rising or in high tide

season, the subdivision experience flood. There is an existing drainage system constructed

around the subdivision which is designed to drain excess rain and ground water from impervious
surfaces but, the drainage system is incapable of holding much water which causes flooding

around the subdivision.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current condition and propose an alternative

plan to improve the existing drainage system and seek for a suitable structure that will help

control floods at Desta Homes. The researchers aim that this study will be a long-lasting solution

that will alleviate the current condition of the residents living in the area.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The general problem of the study is how to lessen the floods occurring at Desta Homes

Subdivision. It aims to answer the following queries as a possible aid to solve the problem:

 What is the present condition of the drainage in Desta Homes Subdivision?

 Is it necessary to have a new drainage system in Desta Homes Subdivision?
 Is there an existing structure/s that would help mitigate the flood?
 What would be the cost of the proposed new drainage system?

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The general goal of the study is to assess and improve the current situation at Desta

Homes Subdivision.

Specifically, the research aims to:

 Ease the flood occurrences in Desta Homes Subdivision.

 Evaluate the causes of flooding in the subdivision.
 Design and plan for new drainage system.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of undertaking this study is to control or possibly to prevent flood

occurrence by effectively collecting and conveying excess rainfall and excess water from

overflowing rivers that runoffs to the land area. The residents of Desta Homes Subdivision will

benefit on this study to ensure their safety and health from floods that may contain bacteria’s and

other pollutants that can cause disease to the people and to prevent the risk of damaging and loss

of their property.

Through this study, the researchers will benefit as they will be able to apply the

knowledge they have learn through the past years of Civil Engineering degree. In this way, the

researchers will also be able to contribute to the current problem of the said subdivision and to

ease inconvenience of the problem has brought.

1.5. SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study will be focusing on the proposed drainage system in Desta Homes

Subdivision. It includes the design, plan, and estimated cost of the new drainage system. This

study will be focused only in the vicinity of Desta Homes Subdivision; hence it delimits the

architectural design, plumbing connections to different structures in the subdivision, the design,

plan, and estimated cost of the elevated roads and the drainage system outside the Desta Homes

Subdivision.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This section will investigate previously written literature and studies that is interrelated

and will have an effect in the current investigation. The review provides information on studies

with reference to the factors that cause flooding and ways to mitigate flooding.

2.2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Flooding

Flooding is experienced all over the earth. A flood occurs because of a lot of reasons

caused by humans and for natural reasons. Flood is an occurrence of where a dry land gets

submerged under water. In simple terms, the flood can be defined as an overflow of large

quantities of water onto a dry land. A flood occurs at irregular intervals and varies in size,

duration, and the affected area. Some floods that occur can suddenly subside quick and some

may take days before the surface water runs off.

Floods can have devastating consequences and can have effects on the economy,

environment, and people. It damages property and endangers the lives of humans and other

species. Economically, during floods (especially flash floods), roads, bridges, farms, houses, and

automobiles are destroyed. All these come at a heavy cost to people. The environment also
suffers when floods happen. Chemicals and other hazardous substances end up in the water and

eventually contaminate the water bodies that floods end up in.

Common Causes of Flooding

Rainfall

Rainfall is one of the most common causes of flooding. Rainfall is the amount of rain that

falls in a place during a particular period. Rain is the leading contributor to most of the flooding

cases witnessed across the world. Too much rain causes water to flow overland contributing to

flooding. In particular, it is due to high rainfall intensity over a prolonged period. Rain is liquid

water in the form of droplets that have condensed from atmospheric water vapor and then

become heavy enough to fall under gravity. (Wikipedia).

According to the article “Flooding” by Jackson (2014), the most common cause of

flooding is prolonged rainfall. Raining for a long period of time will make the ground become

saturated and the soil will no longer be able to absorb and store water resulting in increased

surface runoff. Surface runoff, also known as overland flow, is the flow of water the occurs when

excess stormwater flows over the surface. Stormwater is water that originates during

precipitation events that can infiltrate, held on the surface and evaporates, or runoff in drainages

and nearby surface waters such as streams, lakes, rivers, and other water bodies.

As well as prolonged rainfall, a brief period of heavy rainfall such as a sudden “burst” of

heavy rain, the rain water won’t be able to infiltrate fast enough, and the water will instead enter

the river via surface runoff that can possibly lead to a sudden and large increase in the river’s

discharged which can result to flashflood.

River Overflow
 River overflow is also a cause of the flood. Rivers or streams can overflow their banks to

cause flooding. This happens when there is more water upstream than usual, and as it flows

downstream to the adjacent low-lying areas, or typically called as floodplain, as a consequence,

this creates a sudden discharge of water into the adjacent lands leading to flooding. River

overflow may occur due to rainfall over an extended period that will directly fall into the river

that can make the river or streams rise high.

Other causes of river overflows are broken dams, rough seas, and high tides. Tides are the

rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by

the Moon and the Sun, and the rotation of Earth. High Tide refers to the state of the tide at the

highest level. These events can push water up the rivers and result in flooding.

Floods in Malolos

The City of Malolos is one of the 24 municipalities and cities comprising the province of

Bulacan. Malolos City is a coastal component city in the province of Bulacan and serves as the

provincial capital. The city center of Malolos is situated at approximately 14° 50' North,

120° 49' East, in the island of Luzon. Elevation at these coordinates is estimated at 6.1 meters or

19.9 feet above mean sea level. Malolos has 51 barangays. One of them is Atlag that has an

estimated elevation of 5.3 meters or 17.4 feet above mean sea level. Desta Homes Subdivisions

which is the focus of this study is located at Atlag, Malolos, Bulacan.

On August 21, 2013, Local government and rescue teams remained on red alert in

Bulacan, where several areas including Malolos remained flooded. Several roads were

impassable due to floods caused by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Storm Maring.
In Malolos, the Capitol Compound became a water world according to GMA News stringer

Rommel Ramos as he reported on News to Go. Nurses at the Bulacan Medical Center had to ride

the rescue teams' ambulances, as no other vehicles could pass through the floods, which were

four feet deep in some areas. (GMA News Online)

On July 18, 2018, Due to continuous heavy rains brought by Habagat enhanced by the

tropical depression, flood occurs in low-lying areas in Bulacan. In Malolos flooded areas were

the villages of Panginay, Borol 1st, Wawa, San Juan and Poblacion. (Manila Bulletin)

Flood Mitigation

Floods can be mitigated if it is not possible to be prevented. Flood mitigation involves the

management and control of flood water movement, such as redirecting flood run-off through the

use of different structures, rather than trying to prevent floods altogether. It also involves the

management of people, through measures such as evacuation and dry/wet proofing properties.

The prevention and mitigation of flooding can be studied on three levels: on individual

properties, small communities, and whole towns or cities. The costs of protection rise as more

people and property are protected.

Flood management control are used to reduce or prevent the detrimental effects

of floodwaters. Flood relief methods are used to reduce the effects of flood waters or high-water

levels. Effective mitigation requires that we all understand local risks, address the hard choices,

and invest in long-term community well-being. Without mitigation actions, we jeopardize our

safety, financial security and self-reliance.

Preliminary Flood Hazard Map of Bulacan

The preliminary hazard map of Bulacan shows that Malolos City is susceptible of flood

ranging from moderate to high. This geomorphological mapping was employed to study area for

flood hazard mapping by the Government of Bulacan.

Figure 2.1 Preliminary Flood Hazard Map of Bulacan

Rational Method

Rational Method is used to design storm sewers. It takes into consideration the physical

and hydraulic properties of catchments and their effects on storm water runoff. The equation for

the determination of the peak flow from a catchment is expressed by the formula:

Q=CiA

where:

Q = peak rate of discharge

C = runoff coefficient. It varies from 0 to 1.0 depending on the surface

character of the area considered.

i = the ratio of rainfall to time and is measured usually in mm/hr

A = area covered in hectares

Manning’s Formula

The Manning’s Formula or equation is used for calculating the capacities of channels and

pipes running part full.

The flow rate or discharge and the velocity of flow in a channel or pipe running part full

are given by the equations:

Q= A x V
 2 1
1
V = x R3 x S 2
n

therefore:

2 1
1
Q= A x x R 3 x S 2
n

where:

m3
Q = flow rate or discharge,
s

m
V = velocity of flow,
s

A = cross sectional area of the conduit, m 2

A
R = hydraulic radius =
P

P = wetted perimeter, m

m
S = pipe or channel slope,
m

n = Manning’s friction factor = 0.012 (value of n for concrete materials)

PAGASA Rainfall Warning Signals

 The color-coded rainfall advisory of PAGASA indicates the amount of rainfall within one

hour. Red, orange and yellow warning signals is applied to the three levels of rainfall volume

intensity and its associated flooding.

Figure 2.2 PAGASA Infographic: Color-Coded Rainfall Warning System

2.3 REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES

The study entitled “A Proposed Drainage System for the University of San Carlos -

Talamban Campus” by Dayag (1997, October) discussed about establishing an adequate storm

sewage drainage system for the University of San Carlos - Talamban Campus that will be

beneficial for future development of the said campus. The existing drainage system of the

university is inadequate to convey the storm water into its point of discharge. The main
streamline which is the point of discharge is also deficient to accommodate storm water from the

University of San Carlos sub-catchment and should be corrected by government’s responsibility.

The study proposed two separate drainage systems in the service area to accommodate more

storm water. Also, the study recommends a continuous maintenance of the sewers and a proper

waste disposal to minimize the problem of clogging.

According to Gabrielle Rosales Iglesias (2008, August) in her article entitled “Flood

Disaster Mitigation and River Rehabilitation by Marikina City, Philippines”, urban flood

mitigation is a complex effort wherein both structural and non-structural mitigation play equally

important roles. Marikina started a flood control project for 12 barangays that includes

construction or rehabilitation of major outfalls, improvements in the network canals, drainage

systems, creeks and waterways. There are improvements done to sidewalks and drainage

network, as well as part of a 6-km road dike. Marikina paved 500 km of roads to reduce the

amount of sand, pebbles and mud that enters the drainage system. The national government

conducts regular river dredging. The removal of informal settlers, commercial buildings,

slaughterhouses and other industries from the riverside was done. There is also an establishment

of a solid waste management system by enforcing an anti-dumping ordinance which aims to

lessen the dumping of wastes in waterways or near riverbanks that impeded the drainage of flood

waters and causes sludge at waterways. Structural mitigation efforts were expensive; however,

the impact of flood mitigation program shows some improvement and requires monitoring.

According to the World Bank Organization, Metro Manila also has its own flood

management program. They formulated the Metro Manila Flood Management Master Plan,

which was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board in

2012. The project includes the master plan proposed a set of measures to effectively manage
major flood events in the future. It includes building a dam in the upper Marikina River

catchment area to reduce peak river flows entering Metro Manila during typhoons and other

extreme rainfall events, eliminate long-term flooding in the flood plain of Laguna de Bay,

improvement of urban drainage and modernization of pumping stations. Under this project, and

existing 36 pumping stations will be modernized, and 29 new ones will be constructed and

infrastructures along critical waterways will be improved in different cities around Metro Manila.

The existing pumping stations were built around 1970’s and have become inefficient and

underperforming. The improvement of solid waste within villages in the vicinity of drainage

systems will be supported by the government.

2.4 ASSUMPTIONS

 Plumbing structures are assumed to be existing.

 Desta Homes Subdivision already has existing plans.
 The overall cost of the drainage system will be financed by the Home Owners of Desta

Homes Subdivision.

2.5 THEORETICAL FRAME WORK

 INPUT
OUTPUT
- Factors that trigger
flooding at Desta PROCESS
Homes in Malolos, Flood Mitigation Plan
Bulacan for Desta Homes in
- Topographic Map Development of new Malolos, Bulacan
drainage system
- Actual
Topographic Survey
- Data of flood water
levels in Bulacan

2.6 SUMMARY OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Flooding is a devastating phenomenon which can cause damage to property. The related

literature and studies show that flood should not be taken for granted and should be resolved

before becoming severe. Through developing new drainage system there is a possibility that

flooding in Desta Homes Subdivision can be prevented.

 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter briefly discussed the research locale of the study, the methods of research

used, the sources of data, population and sample, the instruments for gathering data and

validation, the procedure for gathering data and the statistics for data analysis.

3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN

The Desta Homes Subdivision has been experiencing unusual floods during high tide and

rainfall. This study to be conducted will be using descriptive method of research in order to know

the effects and impact of floods to the residents of the said subdivision. It is a method with

adequate and accurate interpretation of findings, using survey questionnaires, documentary

analysis and natural observations in data gathering. Detailed and factual information will be
collected to describe the existing phenomena. It is the most appropriate method to determine the

present condition of the drainage system.

As a descriptive study, the researchers will use observational and survey questions to

gather data. Naturalistic observations will be used during or after rain and when high tide that the

researches will be able to determine the areas which are flood prone. Cameras will be used to

capture photograph of the drainage system and where flood occurs. Survey questionnaires will be

given to the residents of Desta Homes Subdivision to gather additional information on what the

residents think about the flooding in their area, how deep the flood they have experienced was,

how functional the existing drainage was, or does it need to be improvised, and other questions

related to the topic. The focus of this study is the effectiveness of the drainage system within the

vicinity of Desta Homes Subdivision.

Research Locale

The study will be conducted in Desta Homes Subdivision. It is located in Barangay Atlag

in the City of Malolos, Bulacan. Desta Homes Subdivision lies near the Atlag River. The

subdivision is prone to flood when rain pours and even on high tides. All drainage systems

deteriorate over time. With the climate change and extreme weather events, it happens faster. The

existing drainage system of Desta Homes Subdivision is not fully functional to its limit; hence,

the researchers will focus on areas prone to flood.

Preparation of Maps and Profiles

Preliminary Investigation of the Service Area

 In preparation of map and profile of the service area, it is necessary to observe and

investigate the site. Desta Homes Subdivision is quite big in terms of land area and has 11 streets

in total and is prone to flooding. Hence, it is essential to design and plan for new drainage system

to accommodate greater volume of water.

An on-site observation will be made with regards to the existing of drainage lines and

catchments, flow path of water and evaluate flood depths.

Topography

Bulacan’s total land area indicates that its topography ranges from level to rugged terrain.

The western portion of Bulacan has been classified in the Landscape Map as belonging to the

lowland category with an approximate coverage of close to 50 percent of the provincial land

area. On the other hand, the eastern part of the province covers those areas that are hilly to

mountainous. This is where the province interfaces with the southeastern part of Luzon. In the

middle of these two major landforms are the piedmont landscapes, which have elevation of about

50 to 100 meters above sea level. Over one half of Bulacan's overall land area have been

classified as having slopes less than 8 percent or those considered as having level to gently

sloping terrain and this is found on the western part of Bulacan. (www.bulacan.gov.ph)
 Figure 3.1 Topography of the province of Bulacan

Research Respondents

The respondents of the study are the residents of Desta Homes Subdivision. The

respondents were chosen through random sampling. Respondents are selected by segment;

officers of homeowners’ association of Desta Homes Subdivision and 10 residents of every

street.

3.3 RESEARCH PROCEDURE

The researchers received a letter of request indicating that Desta Homes Subdivision is in

need of engineering works, so that the community will have comfort and gain access to the roads

covered by flood when rain pours and high tides.

To formally addressed the situation, the researchers asked permission to conduct a study

of the area and administer survey and questionnaires to the residents of Desta Homes

Subdivision through a letter addressed to Engr. Romulo Panotes, one of the officers of the

homeowners’ association. Survey and questionnaires will be given to a sample number of

residents of Desta Homes Subdivision in order to obtain information about flood occurrences and

data regarding the floods in the subdivision. The distribution of questionnaires will be personally
administered by the researchers. For the respondents to carefully answer the questions, the

researchers will guide them in case of clarifications.

The researchers will conduct a land survey in areas prone to flooding to determine the

current elevations and other measurements of the existing drainage. The copy of current

subdivision plans, lot plans and drainage plans may be retrieved from their previous developer.

Through a comprehensive survey, the researchers will have a precise and accurate flood

framework by planning and designing a new drainage system.

Techniques Used in Data Collection

Providing survey and questionnaire to the residence serves as the primary sources of data

for the study. Additional information was obtained from interviews, surveying the land areas and

documentary analysis of papers.

Survey

Survey and questionnaires are the main instrument to gather information from the

respondents of the study. Survey methodology is a field of applied statistics of human research

surveys. It pertains in asking one or more questions that may or may not be answered. To achieve

random samples, the researchers used personal judgment to select households that are spatially

distributed and utilize the chances to capture distinct and diverse responses.

Through these, data about the residents regarding flood prone areas and present status of

the existing drainage system will be specified. In obtaining inputs for the most feasible and
effective drainage system, a survey will be conducted. All survey questions are concise to ensure

respondents could comprehend and answer easily.

Figure

3.2 Survey
 Figure 3.3 Questionnaire

Figure 3.4 Questionnaire

Interviews

It is the process of personal interrogation or consultation by the researchers to the

respondents regarding the topics in relevance to the study. It is a means of getting more

information to support the study. Survey forms and questionnaires serves as guide for

unstructured interviews of respondents.

Land surveying
 Researchers will coordinate a vertical and horizontal surveying, to recognize the extent of

flood prone areas. Current elevations, distances and other measurements related to drainage will

established. Hence, it limits from residential and commercial properties.

3.4 EVALUATION CRITERIA

Using a 5-point Likert Scale, a survey was established for respondents to answer. From

strongly disagree to strongly agree. This will help to find out how the respondents feel and think

about the flood occurrences in Desta Homes Subdivision. Questionnaires are also provided for

better grasp of information on the level of flood.

RANGE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION

4.21 – 5.00 Strongly Agree The respondents have a strong

confirmation of the statement.

3.41 – 4.20 Agree The respondents confirmed the

statement but not to the fullest.

2.61 – 3.40 Uncertain The respondents have no idea or

are not sure with the statement.

1.81 – 2.60 Disagree The respondents don’t agree with

the statement.
1.00 – 1.80 Strongly Disagree The respondents have a strong

negative confirmation with the

statement.

Through the questionnaire, areas that flood occurs will be determined and different flood

heights will be known. Planning and designing new drainage system are duly respect to the

evaluation of data gathered since it is the primary source for the level and elevations of the

proposing structure.