The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is not taking chances in its preparation for disaster, particularly flooding in the metropolis when the rainy season comes.

MMDA chief Romando Artes said this as the agency personnel continued with their declogging works of vital waterways in the metropolis.

He said the 71 pumping stations spread out in different areas in the 17 cities and one municipality in the National Capital Region are kept in tip top shape.

“All of the 71 pumping stations are 100 percent operational and continuous declogging operations are conducted to mitigate flooding in the metropolis,” Artes said.

The MMDA is also continuously conducting Water Search and Rescue Training of responders and rescuers from different LGUs, monitoring closed-circuit television cameras along the waterways to monitor water level, he said.

Recently, the agency also procured four boats to be used for rescue operations.

In addition to these measures, the MMDA said it is also coordinating with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System on monitoring the water supply and regulating its use in Metro Manila.

The agency is also coordinating with the MWSS on how to recycle treated wastewater.

Artes also said the agency is mulling to procure a device that can collect water from air with a filtration system which can produce potable water.

The official said that the collected water may be used as an alternative water source.

The MMDA’s disaster preparedness measures are in line with the government’s goal of making the Philippines disaster-resilient, it said.