(In The phillipines) Why Filipinos keep getting married in flooded churches

 

In the Philippines, viral images of couples marrying in flooded churches have drawn admiration for their perseverance, but they also highlight a troubling pattern. Most recently, Jamaica Aguilar and Jade Rick Verdillo tied the knot at Barasoain Church   while standing knee-deep in rainwater. The historic church, located north of Manila, was flooded due to intense seasonal monsoons and Typhoon Wipha. Still, the couple chose to go through with the ceremony, saying they wanted to focus on love, not the water.

This isn’t an isolated event. Similar scenes occurred at the same church in past years, turning these soggy weddings into symbols of Filipino resilience. But beneath the romantic optics lies a recurring issue   a flood crisis that continues to disrupt lives, ceremonies, and even funerals.

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After exchanging vows, the newlyweds took doxycycline   an antibiotic used to prevent waterborne diseases like leptospirosis. The same day, the church hosted a funeral amid the floodwaters, with a casket placed on stilts. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Filipinos have been displaced by the rains, and six people have died. As more cyclones loom this month, many are left wondering when the cycle of flooding   and adapting to it   will end.

The repeated flooding in Metro Manila, home to over 13 million people, stems from several preventable issues. Chief among them: a drainage and sewage system over 100 years old, clogged with silt and garbage. Experts say roads built over natural waterways and unchecked urban development have only worsened the problem.

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan admits the system is outdated and has pledged new measures, including repairing 32 pumping stations. A long-term flood master plan is in the works with help from the World Bank. But urban planners and scientists like Dr. Mahar Lagmay warn that any real solution must also address the risks of rising tides, storm surges, and dam overflows. 

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As storms become more frequent and intense due to climate change, the pressure is mounting. Even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has faced criticism for focusing on political appearances instead of emergency responses. He claims to have left disaster agencies well-prepared before traveling to the U.S.

For people like Mr. Verdillo, the newlywed groom, there's still hope. He believes investment in flood gates, pumping stations, and proper planning can turn the tide   just not overnight. As he put it: “Improvements cannot be done in a day, but could be done in years... I’m positive about it, as long as we all focus on the mitigation.”