Palo, Leyte to Lead Flood Mitigation Project

Did you know that the town of Palo, Leyte, is set to become the first in the Philippines to implement a flood mitigation project? And they will be using South Korea’s advanced floodwater collection technology for it!

RainS-TECH Project Overview

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 8 is leading the Rainfall and Stormwater Runoff Management Technology for Tropical Catchment (RainS-TECH) project. This costs PHP 28 million and is expected to finish by 2026. Through this initiative, Palo can reduce flooding in vulnerable areas. By utilizing modern, efficient methods to manage rainfall and stormwater runoff.

A major component of the RainS-TECH project is the installation of infiltration trenches in Baras village and the town center. These trenches collect rainwater from nearby surfaces. Allowing it to seep quickly into the ground due to the highly absorbent soil. Additionally, the project will install a rainwater collection system at the Palo municipal hall to further enhance flood mitigation.

Giving the Go Signal

The project follows a study led by Prof. Marla Maniquiz-Redillas of De La Salle University.

And on June 28, 2024, various government agencies and local groups signed a memorandum of agreement to officially launch the project. Key partners included the Eastern Visayas State University, the Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas Campus, the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the local government unit of Palo, the provincial government of Leyte, DOST, and others.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards addressing flooding challenges in the region.

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Once the pilot project in Palo proves to be successful, it could serve as a model for other flood-prone areas across the Philippines. Based on technology from South Korea, RainS-TECH could provide an effective and sustainable solution to flooding. And not only that, it may become a benchmark for similar flood mitigation efforts nationwide.