Chesterfield Fire Station and Parks and Recreation; Rising Waters, Uneven Responses: The Sociotechnical Factors Behind Flood Resilience in the Philippines

Flooding continues to be one of the most destructive and recurring natural disasters in the Philippines, impacting both urban and rural communities across the nation. A key underlying issue that connects my technical and STS research is the role of stormwater infrastructure in shaping community responses to flooding. Specifically, I examined how the resilience and durability of existing stormwater management systems influence the ways in which communities react to and recover from these events. In many regions of the Philippines, stormwater infrastructure is either outdated, poorly designed, or inadequately maintained. This technical shortcoming often translates into significant social consequences, particularly in low-income communities that are already vulnerable to displacement and economic hardship. This sociotechnical problem matters because the failure of flood management systems does not simply result in physical damage, but it disrupts lives, shapes public trust in institutions, and affects how people prepare for or adapt to future disasters.

My technical project focused on assessing the challenges faced by stormwater infrastructure in flood-prone areas around Laguna Lake. This region, which serves as an important economic and ecological zone, has experienced increased flooding due to rapid urban development and unchecked pollution from domestic and industrial runoff. I used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify high-risk areas and applied the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) to evaluate the potential of rainwater gardens as a green infrastructure solution. SWMM simulations demonstrated that rainwater gardens could reduce flood depths by up to 19.42% during heavy rainfall events while also improving water quality by capturing nutrient pollutants. This model-based analysis revealed that such low-impact development strategies could provide both hydrological and ecological benefits, especially in areas where traditional stormwater infrastructure is no longer effective. My research shows that introducing decentralized, community-friendly stormwater solutions could support not just physical flood mitigation but also public confidence in local infrastructure systems.

While the technical project offered an engineering-based evaluation of stormwater performance, my STS research explored how flaws in existing infrastructure affect the social dynamics of community response. Using the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) framework, I analyzed three interrelated factors: limited infrastructure and resources, the risk of maladaptation, and the exclusion of communities from decision-making processes. I found that outdated or poorly designed infrastructure often leads to inconsistent and ineffective disaster responses. For instance, drainage systems in informal settlements are frequently clogged or inaccessible, increasing vulnerability during typhoon seasons. Additionally, infrastructure projects meant to reduce flood risks sometimes unintentionally redirect water toward other areas, leading to maladaptation, where efforts to protect one group expose another to greater harm. This breakdown in infrastructure planning and performance directly influences how communities perceive their own safety, affecting whether they choose to evacuate, stay, or rebuild. In areas where trust in public works is low, residents tend to rely more on informal networks and makeshift coping strategies, which can be unreliable during large-scale disasters.

Together, these projects demonstrate that the durability and reliability of stormwater infrastructure have direct consequences on how people respond to flooding. My technical work addressed the feasibility of implementing green infrastructure, while my STS research illuminated how social vulnerability is exacerbated by weak infrastructure and governance. Both sides of the problem point to the need for more resilient and inclusive systems that not only function well technically but are also trusted and embraced by the communities they serve. I believe I was successful in showing that addressing infrastructure challenges requires a dual focus, one that values both technical performance and community engagement. Future researchers should investigate how community-based infrastructure models, such as participatory design and maintenance, can increase resilience and reduce disaster risks. Additionally, long-term studies could evaluate how improved stormwater systems influence behavioral change and public participation in flood response planning.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to those who supported me throughout this research process. Thank you to Professor Caitlin Wylie for her invaluable insight and support in refining my STS analysis and helping me frame the broader sociotechnical context. I also appreciate Professor Somayeh Asadi for her guidance with technical modeling and for encouraging me to think about infrastructure as a system deeply tied to its environment. To my technical team: Scout, Emma, Esther, and Greg. Thank you for your collaboration and support during our capstone project.

School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Technical Advisor: Somayeh Asadi
STS Advisor: Caitlin Wylie
Technical Team Members: Scout Bale, Emma Coutts, Esther Park, Greg Zeckman