In the past two weeks, there has been an influx of complaints on social media regarding the difficulties faced by Filipinos traveling to and from Metro Manila via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) due to heavy rains and subsequent flooding. What should have been a minor inconvenience turned into a major problem, with travel and commerce severely affected between Metro Manila and the northern economic centers.
While the flooding on NLEx was not extensive, covering just over 50 meters of the highway in San Simon, Pampanga, it caused significant disruptions. The lack of alternative routes, such as the MacArthur Highway, which was also experiencing flooding and traffic congestion, exacerbated the situation. This highlights a recurring issue in the Philippines – a lack of redundancy measures and resilience in our infrastructure systems.
The consequences of this lack of resiliency are evident in various aspects of our daily lives. For instance, the only key source of potable water for Metro Manila and its surrounding areas is the Angat Dam, which is over 50 years old. There is a new dam, the Kaliwa Dam, being constructed, but it won’t be completed until 2026. This means that if any disaster damages Angat Dam, millions of citizens will be left without water with no immediate relief available. Yet, there seems to be no urgency in addressing this issue.
Another example is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), our main aviation gateway. While Clark International Airport presents an alternative, most travelers still prefer Naia due to its proximity to Metro Manila. However, when mishaps occur at Naia, air travel comes to a standstill due to the lack of alternative runways, backup power systems, backup radars, and automation to aid air traffic control. Once again, we find ourselves making do with what we have instead of prioritizing quality and resiliency.
The lack of ample power reserves is also a pressing concern, especially during periods of high electricity consumption. When one power plant shuts down unexpectedly, the entire power grid is affected, resulting in blackouts. However, once the lights come back on, we tend to forget about the need for buffers and settle for the bare minimum.
The list of examples goes on at both the national and local levels, highlighting the need for a shift in mindset and a focus on quality, robustness, and resiliency in our infrastructure development. Infrastructure resiliency is not just an economic concern but also a national security concern. To achieve this, it is crucial for the government and private sector to prioritize the best interests of the Filipino people, ensuring that projects are not subject to corruption and are built to high standards.
In conclusion, the Philippines needs to move away from the “puede na” mentality and embrace a mindset that emphasizes quality, strength, and redundancy in infrastructure development. Only then can we ensure the lasting benefits of our infrastructure projects and protect ourselves from the troubles caused by system failures.
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