Author : Arias, Jaimie Kim B.; Dorado, Rowena A.; Mendoza, Maria Emilinda T.; Ballaran, Vicente G. Jr.

Summary : Floods are among the most devastating hazards confronting the Philippines. Unfortunately, many households and communities are becoming more at risk because of improper land use and rapid environmental degradation, coupled with the impacts of global climate change. The lakeshore municipalities in the Sta. Cruz River Watershed are no exception, given that the area is contiguous to the largest lake in the Philippines—the Laguna de Bay.

Recent experience has shown that flooding can be very costly as it can result in the destruction of private assets as well as public infrastructure. It can also lead to loss of production and income, displacement of communities, spread of illness and diseases, injury, and even death.