Marikina City Mayor Marjorie Ann "Maan" Teodoro underscored that flood control should be treated as a national priority, but one that must be grounded by the expertise of local governments that experience flooding first-hand.

“Flooding for us is experiential. We have lived through it. Local governments feel the pressure, and with that comes the accountability to respond," Teodoro said.

While stressing the need for resources and policy support from national agencies, Teodoro emphasized that the effectiveness of any flood control strategy depends on the insight, discipline, and coordination of local leaders.

“We believe in common-sense solutions, but always backed by data,” she said.

Through continuous dredging, Marikina River's water-carrying capacity has increased from 1,500 to 2,400 cubicmeters, with a target of 2,900 cubic meters upon completion of ongoing works. Slope protection measures and enforcement of a 96-meter non-buildable easement from the river centerline ordinance, well beyond national requirements. Drainage system connectivity to outfall areas has also resulted to efficient water flow out of the city.

Teodoro said these efforts succeed because they are anchored in an integrated local master plan rather than piecemeal projects.

“In Marikina, every project, from dredging, slope protection, to drainage improvement is part of one coordinated system,” she said.

Recognizing that water flows beyond political boundaries, Teodoro called for stronger collaboration between national agencies, neighboring cities, and the private sector to ensure every investment contributes to a long-term flood control strategy.

“Flooding knows no boundaries, so our solutions must be coordinated and sustained,” she said.

Teodoro was recently elected as focal mayor for flood mitigation and management by the League of Cities of the Philippines.