MORAL ON FLOOD MANAGEMENT

For overpopulated Metro-Manila, interacting factors have some influences in the moral fibers and practices of its leaders and people. Policies are violated, compromised, or modified driven by whims, coated as development, and by immediate needs of the powerful and the poor, respectively. Floodplains, watersheds and lakebeds are converted into residential or commercial use, riparian lands are titled, waterways are slowly encroached and unnoticeably diminished after many years, etc. These greatly affect the natural processes in the river upstream to downstream regime which lead to flood disaster.

Although there is an existing water code to guide in river management, some are unaware and ignore its existence. Bordering from negligence, complacency and ignorance, environmental clearances and permits are issued with inadequate scrutiny and foresight. Political and economic conditions drive the rural folks to venture in more peaceful and progressive urban areas, resulting to congestion. The poor find shelters in high susceptible areas.

However, human beings are endowed with sensitivity and values to act soberly even with little knowledge of the guidelines, policies, and law. On the contrary, needs and desires dominate the decision processes, which lower ones values due to competing demands or pressure. As disaster strikes, the reality of the unchecked and uncontrolled activities takes its toll. People die, properties are ruined, and economy decelerates affecting day to day well being and lifestyle. However, few are incriminated for failed accountability.

Realizations of the impact of disaster, the leaders want immediate solution; hence, they direct the subordinates to plan and act accordingly to pacify the grievances of the constituents for a while. However, great resources and time are needed to solve the accumulated burdens, which were once ignored. Initial emergency to long range solutions cannot be sustained.

Changing the moral values of the people to act responsibly entails reconfiguration of policies (revising, introducing and strict implementation of laws), education (formal and informal, technical enhancement), political (leading by example), and cultural systems. Although, this may require considerable time, radical change even in one aspect may bring breakthrough in flood management.

Lastly, there should be a change of heart. "And that includes ME!!!"