MMDA was the first office we have
visited when we arrived in Manila. When we entered their good office we were
catered by their employees and assist into their “Flood Control Information Building”. The speakers; Engr.
Beja and Engr.Bambaboco were in-charge to discuss to us the whereabouts of
their office. The first speaker, Engr.Beja discussed to us the role and
obligation of their office especially in acquiring safety and welfare for the
people around Metro Manila and while Engr. Bambaboco on the other hand
discussed to us the operation in their department which is to monitor the flood
as well as in weather forecast. All of these operations in this department are
required to report to the Office of the President of Philippines – Pres. Aquino.
Above photos were taken inside the
Monitoring Room of Flood Control Information.
As you can see, their walls are full of LCD Monitors and each monitor is
surveying different channel. Aside from monitoring, this office is also serves
as the control panel for the river gates around the Metro Manila. As we all
know, Manila is known to be prone of flood because they are surrounded by water
such as rivers and bays. Thus, they implanted gates at 8 different places such
as; Malacanang, Marikina, Pasig River and Manila bay. These gates are being
opened simultaneously in order to release amount of water that can help to
lower down the level of water in times of flood in affected area only. One
thing Engr. Bambaboco also pointed out is that they make sure that the
Malacanang is always safe above other affected places. I then realized the
political influence in all departments in the Philippines is really
evident. After their discussions they
allow us to watch some of their road accidents footage that was captured by
their CCTV cameras around Metro Manila.
After which, we proceed at their so
called “Metrobase Building”.
Inside the Metrobase were more LCD Monitors, I think around 50 and telephones.
People inside the Metrobase are busy either answering the telephone calls or
watching the Monitors if there are accidents or crime happening. In Metro
Manila, all hiways, roads and bridges were surrounded by CCTV cameras. Their
CCTV cameras are extraordinary functions that has 360° camera view and can zoom
in and out 8 times. This is one of the technologies used in Metro Manila to
minimize the accidents’ rates and the rampant crimes. Moreover, is to maintain
peace and order around Metro Manila.
Below are the photos illustrating the scenario inside the Metrobase.
Imagine how crucial is the task of the
person in-charge in watching these monitors. It’s hard to focus on one monitor
with this kind of set-up because you get disturb with other monitors and with
the telephone calls. People around Metro Manila are used to dial the famous
MMDA hotline 136 to ask help and report something. The Metrobase also are the
one who call the Police, Ambulance, Fire Truck and etc for quick response to
any accidents occur. That’s how
important the role of the MMDA in Manila.
