Palafox saw it coming

In a recommendation, Filipino architect and urban planner Felino "Jun" Palafox Jr. said that the Philippines, being situated in a region within the Pacific Ring of Fire, vigilance in disaster preparedness is an absolute necessity.

- PIA ROCES MORATO

As an architect, protection of life and the enhancement of the built environment is a responsibility coupled with firm accountability to nature, God and country.

In the past, Palafox Associates prepared a brief list of recommendations on urban planning, architecture and engineering to address hazards towards safer cities, towns and communities. Such recommendations were made to help develop stronger and more resilient communities together with government, the people and experts.

These recommendations were humbly submitted to the administration after Ondoy, which crippled most of Metro Manila. In the early onset of our current administration, the very same recommendations were reiterated. So why then is Metro Manila constantly flooded?