Permeable Concrete May Help Solve Manila Flooding
When it rains in Manila, the streets don’t just get wet…they disappear. While typhoons and heavy rain are natural factors in flooding, the way we build—especially using nonabsorbent concrete—makes it worse. That’s why permeable concrete is gaining attention as a possible solution.
What is Permeable Concrete?
Also known as porous or pervious concrete, this material is engineered with tiny gaps that allow rainwater to filter through the surface. Instead of pooling or running off, the water is absorbed into the soil below. This helps ease pressure on drainage systems and lowers the risk of urban flooding.
Why Manila Floods So Easily
Most of Metro Manila’s roads, sidewalks, and parking lots are made with regular concrete or asphalt—impervious materials that block water absorption. However, these systems are often outdated, undersized, or clogged with garbage. As a result, rainwater quickly backs up and floods homes, businesses, and streets.
Many infrastructure projects also prioritize short-term savings or profit over long-term sustainability. Drainage systems are neglected, and flood risk is rarely considered in development decisions. Add corruption and mismanagement, and the city becomes stuck in a cycle of preventable flooding.
READ: Metro Manila: A Perennial Battle Against Floods
It’s Already Working!
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig proves that better planning works. The district uses permeable concrete in many of its roads and walkways, paired with underground canals, stormwater storage tanks, and elevated road designs. Regular maintenance ensures these systems function smoothly, keeping the area flood-free even during heavy downpours.
In Japan, permeable concrete is also used in innovative ways. Engineers embed plastic boards under roads, then drill polished holes into the set concrete to be filled with gravel. These holes absorb rain directly—even under heavy vehicles—reducing surface water almost instantly.
Build Smart, Build Safe
Metro Manila doesn’t need to flood every time it rains. Because the answer lies not just in building more drains, but in changing how we build altogether. Permeable concrete, plus smart planning and proper upkeep, can help us create cities that are safer, cleaner, and more resilient to climate change.
