CAINTA, Rizal — Mayor Keith Nieto said the municipality's flood mitigation system proved effective during the onslaught of Typhoon Inday, with floodwaters receding more quickly after all five pumping stations operated simultaneously for the first time.

Nieto said the coordinated operation of the pumping stations significantly increased the town's capacity to discharge floodwaters.

"This is a series of pumps where we boosted the water discharge in the fastest time possible from the endpoint to the eventual outflow," he said.

"I'd say a large part of Cainta was spared from prolonged flooding. People will notice how quickly the water receded, which is something that does not normally happen in our town," he added.

The mayor said the local government is further expanding its flood control network, with three additional pumping stations currently under construction.

Once completed, Cainta will have a total of eight pumping stations, further improving its capacity to divert floodwaters into the floodway.

Nieto also highlighted two major flood mitigation projects being undertaken with the national government.

The first is the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's interceptor project along Marcos Highway, stretching from Sumulong Highway to the Marikina River, which is designed to bypass creeks inside subdivisions that frequently overflow.

The second is the Department of Public Works and Highways interceptor project along Imelda Avenue, which will channel floodwaters from residential areas directly into the Cainta River.

Responding to observations that floodwaters appeared to recede more quickly in Cainta than in neighboring localities, Nieto said flood management requires coordinated planning among adjacent cities and municipalities rather than the suspension of local flood control projects.

He urged neighboring local governments to work together to ensure the smooth flow of water toward designated outfalls.

Nieto also said part of the municipality's 20 percent development fund will continue to be allocated for the regular maintenance and clearing of drainage systems to keep waterways free of obstructions throughout the year.