The Taguig City Council has passed a measure to integrate flood mitigation with civil works.

Under Ordinance 73, diggings, leveling or filling of land, and erection of buildings at least five-story high will no longer be permitted without the council?s written approval.

Councilor Arnel Cerafica, proponent, said the measure stemmed from the need to reduce flooding, which was worsened by the increase in infrastructure projects.

?It is very evident that the City of Taguig is geographically located in a low-lying area and is considered to be one of the flood-prone localities in Metropolitan Manila,? he noted in his ordinance.

Due to its proximity to Laguna de Bay, at least 43.3 square kilometers of Taguig?s land area on the northwestern lakeshore is prone to inundation.

These include the villages of Tuktukan, Sta. Ana, Calzada, Tipas, Napindan, Bambang, Wawa, Lower Bicutan, Maharlika and North Daang Hari, where floodwaters reach up to waist level.

Cerafica said 14-meter high structures and those with a constructed floor area of at least 5,000 square meters would need formal clearance.

Also prohibited are leveling or filling of land or worksite measuring at least 1,000 sqm.

Besides a building permit from the City Engineer?s Office, applicants for the city council permit will pay P2,000 in processing fee.

In the case of leveling or land-filling activity and site work preparation, an additional fee is required, such as P30 per square meter for the first 1,000 to 4,000 sqm.

For the next 4,000 sqm, an additional P20 per square meter will be imposed; above 5,000 sqm, P10 per sqm additional fee.

Lots that are less than 1,000 sqm have a fixed P750 development fee. Ferdinand Fabella