The city government here has strengthened its flood mitigation efforts by acquiring a heavy-duty vacuum jetting truck to clear clogged drainage systems and reduce street flooding.

Paul Bermejo, head of the city’s Ancillary Services Unit, told the Philippine News Agency in a message on Tuesday that similar equipment is already being used in countries such as Dubai, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

“I don’t have any information yet on whether other local government units here in the country are using the same equipment,” Bermejo added.

The PHP18 million vehicle was funded by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, reflecting the city government’s continued investment in disaster resilience and improved urban infrastructure.

Bermejo described the new truck as a game-changer in addressing overflow problems in closed canals, which often result in stagnant floodwaters along city streets.

The vehicle, acquired on Monday, combines high-pressure jetting with vacuum suction to break down hardened sludge, sand, and debris, tasks that manual rodding cannot efficiently handle. This leads to faster canal clearing and quicker floodwater recession after heavy rains.

Bermejo noted that the acquisition directly responds to recurring complaints from residents about floodwaters lingering long after rainfall.

“This benefits the city because the vacuum jetting truck can spray out hardened sludge, debris, dirt, or sand. Manual removal risks not resolving the clog, but the vacuum then easily draws it up for cleaning,” he said. (PNA)