### Filipino Couples Say "I Do" Amidst Flooding: A Testament to Resilience

**As couples navigate floodwaters to celebrate their unions, the recurring flooding highlights systemic issues while showcasing the resilience and determination characteristic of Filipino culture.**

In the Philippines, a rising trend has emerged where couples celebrate their weddings in flooded churches, showcasing not only their love but also their resilience in the face of environmental challenges. This phenomenon was recently exemplified by Jamaica Aguilar and Jade Rick Verdillo, who wed in the historic Barasoain Church, which was inundated due to a combination of seasonal monsoon rains and a typhoon.

Despite the knee-deep waters surrounding them, the couple proceeded with their ceremony, focusing on what truly mattered—their love and the support of their family and friends. This particular event and others like it have gone viral as symbols of Filipino resilience, but they underscore a more dire issue: the ongoing struggle with severe flooding exacerbated by climate change, outdated infrastructure, and urban mismanagement.

The couple recounted their decision-making process the night before the wedding, contemplating whether to cancel due to anticipated worsening weather. Ultimately, they chose to embrace the challenge, leading to a wedding experience unlike any other. Following the ceremony, they took antibiotics to guard against waterborne diseases, a cautionary step that speaks volumes about the realities many face in the Philippines amidst frequent flooding.

Typhoon Wipha, the third typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, has led to significant impact, including six reported fatalities and displacements of thousands. As the country prepares for additional storms expected later this month, the government’s disaster response has come under scrutiny. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s upcoming State of the Nation Address is anticipated to address the perpetual flooding issue that plagues Metro Manila.

Metro Manila is notorious for its densely packed population and inadequate waste management practices. The public infrastructure is failing to cope with the heavy flooding, especially as the sewage systems are largely outdated, dating back to the early 20th century and now heavily silted. Experts emphasize that a comprehensive solution requires collaboration across various domains, including hydrology and urban planning, while a master plan involving international assistance is already in the works.

For couples like Verdillo, there is hope for improvement. He believes in the need for investments in flood control systems, with a focus on longer-term solutions rather than quick fixes. The future may see a shift away from weddings in flooded venues—an indicator of change that could protect lives and preserve celebratory moments. The resilience demonstrated during these ceremonies captures both the spirit of the people and the pressing need for systemic solutions to longstanding problems.