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Articles | Tropical Environment, Biology, and Technology | Volume 4 - Issue 1 - 2026 | 56–71 | https://doi.org/10.53623/tebt.v4i1.1188
© 2026 by the author(s), and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License

Vulnerability Assessment of Rodriguez, Rizal towards the development of a Community-Engaged Flood Risk Management System

Author(s): Jeffrey Bancifra
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Environmental Management Bureau – National Capital Region, Philippines

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Tropical Environment, Biology, and Technology

Volume 4 - Issue 1 - 2026

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Rodriguez (Montalban), a municipality in the Philippines located on the southern slope of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, is characterized by predominantly mountainous terrain, with approximately 83% of its land consisting of uplands, hills, and steep slopes. Despite these extensive upland areas, most urbanized zones are situated in flood-prone locations. Climate change has further exacerbated flood risks by increasing the intensity and frequency of precipitation events. This study assessed the vulnerability of communities in selected barangays of Rodriguez, Rizal, using a combination of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC-RAS), surveys, and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), alongside considerations of social engagement and the thematic areas of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework (NDRRMF). The findings indicate that Rodriguez exhibits a moderate level of flood vulnerability, with flood risk management measures being predominantly reactive rather than preventive. Residents identified deforestation, particularly quarrying activities, as the primary contributor to flooding, whereas the Local Government Unit (LGU) identified urbanization as the main driver. However, these perspectives are not mutually exclusive. Furthermore, HEC-RAS simulations revealed that areas with steeper slopes and locations adjacent to deforested zones experience higher flood velocities than other parts of the floodplain. Motivations for community engagement in flood risk management were largely influenced by perceptions of good governance (35.57%) and shared values (33.08%), while financial incentives for key volunteers were found to have only a marginal influence (12.31%). Based on these findings, the study developed the FLOOD GATES (Flood Governance Anchored in Transparency and Engaged Society) System, a community-engaged flood risk management model designed for mainstreaming within LGUs. By integrating technical hydrological data with community-generated inputs, the FLOOD GATES System facilitates proactive participation across all phases of flood risk management, including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation. The model also enhances adaptive capacity by promoting transparency, accountability, and community empowerment.

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SUBMITTED: 10 May 2026
ACCEPTED: 09 June 2026
PUBLISHED: 12 June 2026
SUBMITTED to ACCEPTED: 30 days
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53623/tebt.v4i1.1188

Cite this article
Bancifra, J. . (2026). Vulnerability Assessment of Rodriguez, Rizal towards the development of a Community-Engaged Flood Risk Management System. Tropical Environment, Biology, and Technology, 4(1), 56–71. https://doi.org/10.53623/tebt.v4i1.1188
Keywords
Flood Risk Management Climate Change Social Engagement Local Government Rodriguez, Rizal HEC-RAS
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