Siyam-siyam

For nearly two weeks, relentless rain has drenched the Philippines, rendering it "siyam siyam" or nine days of continuous rain, a phenomenon typically associated with the onset of the southwest monsoon season. However, the ongoing downpour far exceeds the nine-day forecast. The heavy rains have triggered floods, exposing shortcomings in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Asphalt used in parts of the newly paved EDSA has melted due to the excessive water. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon attributed the issue to the inadequate design of the drainage systems, specifically the small drains of the barriers. To resolve the problem, the barriers must be removed or spaced apart to allow proper drainage. Yet, it is concerning that DPWH civil engineers neglected to inspect the drainage system before pouring the asphalt.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) should consider suspending the professional licenses of those involved. In other regions, such as Central Luzon, ghost flood control projects exacerbate the situation, leading to recurrent floods. The Sandiganbayan and Ombudsman should expedite their trials to demonstrate that crime does not pay.

Moreover, the monsoon rains have brought to light the poor management of waste in the country. The overflowing garbage in Paranaque River has been captured on camera and shared globally, exposing our country's lack of concern for environmental cleanliness. Despite the amount of money spent on garbage collection in urban areas, it appears that little has been done to improve waste management.

Residents have also shared stories of favored garbage collectors who pocket the fees instead of collecting the garbage. Implementing Sweden's model, where garbage is converted into electricity, could be a viable solution. Sweden has run out of its own trash and now imports it from other countries to keep its waste-to-energy plants running.

However, our outdated laws prohibiting this practice need to be updated. The monsoon rains have also helped refill the Angat Dam, which had reached a catastrophic low of 150.42 meters, short of the 180-meter minimum operating level needed to supply Metro Manila and Central Luzon. As of August 14, the water level has risen to 180.10 meters, slightly above the minimum operating baseline.

With a severe El Niño expected towards the end of the year, the ideal target water level for Angat Dam is its normal high-water level of 210 meters to withstand the near-zero rainfall. Angat Dam supplies 90 percent of the water requirements for Metro Manila. Although the continuous rain has caused inconvenience, it is crucial to receive even more rainfall in the coming weeks to ensure that Angat Dam is adequately filled and prepared to sustain us during the seven to eight consecutive months of El Niño expected to begin in November.

The rain has also posed challenges for workers, resulting in lost income due to floods or inability to commute due to inadequate transportation. A PIDS study indicates that frequent rainy periods affect labor supply not only through direct exposure but also by disrupting mobility, production processes, and supply chains. Rainfall tends to reduce working hours for vulnerable workers in informal and casual employment, who often have fewer employment protections and less stable sources of income.

Additionally, bad weather impacts gig workers, such as delivery riders and drivers for Grab, Food Panda, or Angkas, who are classified as independent contractors without a guaranteed wage. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted a landmark global treaty, Convention 193, to protect these gig workers by compelling platforms to provide insurance, hazard pay, or algorithmic relief during extreme weather.

However, for the convention to apply in the Philippines, it must be ratified by the Senate and incorporated into a law passed by the Congress. The treaty addresses algorithmic management, including the right to appeal against automated penalties for workers who log off during severe weather conditions. The Philippine government should enact a law to protect gig workers from algorithmic penalties and ensure fair basic remuneration that covers weather-induced delays.

The ILO convention also emphasizes the need for timely weather forecasts and accessible crop insurance for farmers and fishermen, who are regularly affected by floods and drought. The government must provide them with timely weather forecasts and crop insurance to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme weather. We must all come together to support those suffering due to the prolonged downpour. For inquiries or comments, contact Boo Chanco at [email protected] or follow him on X @boochanco.