Marikina City, Philippines – Marikina City Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro emphasized that the rapid receding of floods in the city often within just 24 hours is not due to luck or magic, but the result of discipline, unity, and strategic disaster preparedness.
Speaking at the IoT 2025 Conference: Resilience for All, Future Proofing Our Communities held at the SMX Convention Center, Mayor Teodoro showcased Marikina’s disaster resilience framework, which has gained national recognition as a model for effective and systematic disaster response.
According to the mayor, the city’s quick flood recovery can be attributed to several key initiatives, including; the installation of slope protection to prevent soil erosion and river blockages; the development of an integrated drainage system to facilitate faster water flow and the strict enforcement of waste management policies to prevent canal clogging.
Mayor Teodoro also stressed the vital role of community discipline, noting that the active cooperation and awareness of Marikeños have played a huge part in the city’s flood resilience.
Teodoro also highlighted how these efforts have positively impacted local economic confidence. Businesses, including small enterprises, are now choosing to stay and reinvest in Marikina rather than relocating, thanks to the city’s proactive approach to disaster mitigation.
As part of its continuing innovation, the city government is now integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology into its disaster monitoring system. This includes real-time dashboards combining data from river gauges, rainfall monitors, and drainage sensors, aimed at enhancing response time and data driven decision making.
Mayor Teodoro concluded her speech by reaffirming Marikina’s commitment to building a future-ready, resilient city through both innovation and people-centered governance.