Policy Frameworks for Sustainable Flood Management in the Urban Areas of Zamboanga City

— This study examines the policy frameworks designed to promote sustainable flood management in the urban areas of Zamboanga City, Philippines. Due to the city's susceptibility to regular and intense flooding caused by both natural and human factors, there is an immediate requirement for comprehensive and robust policy strategies to reduce these risks. The study examines current policies, their effectiveness, and the deficiencies that impede effective flood control management. The study offers a thorough analysis of the current policy landscape by employing a mixedmethods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative analyses. Conducting key informant interviews with government officials, urban planners, and community leaders, as well as surveys of affected residents, provides valuable insights into the complex challenges encountered by Zamboanga City. Additionally, the study examines secondary data obtained from scientific reports, government documents, and case studies of exemplary approaches used in other cities susceptible to flooding. The findings suggest that although there are multiple policies in existence and various land use regulations, their execution is frequently disjointed and lacks consistency. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the crucial significance of community involvement and cooperation among different parties, such as the local government unit (LGU), the nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector, in formulating and implementing flood management policies. A significant deficiency that has been identified is the city's restricted financial resources and technical capabilities, which hinder its capacity to implement more extensive and sophisticated flood management solutions. In order to tackle these difficulties, the study suggests a policy framework with multiple levels that focuses on incorporating green infrastructure, enhancing urban planning, and implementing advanced technologies like early warning systems and real-time data analytics. In addition, the creation of a centralized flood management office could improve coordination and streamline efforts among various administrative levels. The study emphasizes the necessity of implementing a comprehensive and flexible strategy for flood management in Zamboanga City. By synchronizing policies with scientific knowledge and practical circumstances, and by promoting robust institutional partnerships, sustainable flood management can be implemented as a viable and efficient approach to safeguard urban areas and bolster the resilience of the city's communities