JV Ejercito recalls copying Navotas’ “bombastic pumps” to ease flooding in San Juan

Former San Juan Mayor and now Senator JV Ejercito recalled how his administration adopted the strategy of then-Navotas City Mayor and now Rep. Toby Tiangco of installing strategically placed pumping stations and “bombastic pumps” to address persistent flooding in low-lying barangays.

According to Ejercito, Tiangco effectively addressed flooding in Navotas, where around 70 percent of the city is below sea level, by installing pumping stations in strategic locations.

“Ang Navotas, 70 percent diyan laging lubog kasi below sea level. Siya ‘yung naglagay ng mga bombastic pumps strategically. Ginaya namin ‘yon,” Ejercito said, referring to Tiangco.

Ejercito said San Juan faced a similar problem in several low-lying, basin-like barangays where flooding could persist even after weeks without rain.

“Kasi nung mayor ako sa San Juan, may mga barangay diyan na ganun, basin din. Kasi minsan kahit wala, two weeks na walang ulan, baha pa rin kasi nga basin,” he said, referring to Barangays Balong-Bato, Salapan, Rivera, and Progreso.

Ejercito recalled that these areas used to experience severe flooding, with water reaching depths of 15 to 20 feet.

He said the city responded by replicating Navotas’ strategy and putting up pumping stations in these areas, particularly those located along or near the San Juan River.

“’Yung first namin Barangay Balong Bato na dati 15 feet ang lalim ng tubig diyan. ‘Yung Salapan, ‘yung Rivera, Progreso, nilagyan namin ng pumping stations lahat at naging maayos. Nawala ang baha sa San Juan,” he explained.

Amid the recent heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and high tides across various parts of the country, Navotas City has proven the critical importance of long-term investment in flood control infrastructure.

Despite the heavy rainfall, the city’s navigational gate, coastal dike, and network of pumping stations have been operating continuously to manage floodwaters.

These facilities, established during Tiangco’s time as Mayor and lawmaker, have helped prevent seawater from entering local communities during high tides while facilitating the drainage of rainwater from the streets.

The effectiveness of these structures underscores the importance of sustained investment in flood control infrastructure to protect communities, livelihoods, and residents’ lives during periods of heavy rainfall and high tides.