Manila: The government is updating its flood control master plans for major river basins nationwide, while five sites in Metro Manila have been identified as priorities under the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) Sponge City initiative. Speaking to Palace reporters, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is updating the flood control master plans for 18 major river basins and other critical principal rivers, with 16 already updated.
According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon mentioned that the updated master plans for the Cagayan and Pasig-Marikina-Laguna de Bay river basins are targeted for completion by the end of 2026. Castro explained that the updating is necessary because some existing flood control master plans date back decades ago and may no longer be suited to current conditions, particularly amid the effects of climate change.
To address flooding in Metro Manila, MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes announced that five priority projects will be presented to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon for possible funding. Artes highlighted Miriam College, Camp Aguinaldo, Rajah Sulayman Park, and Remedios Circle as among the priority sites. The MMDA has completed a feasibility study for 39 proposed catchment and nature-based flood mitigation sites across Metro Manila.
The five priority projects are targeted for completion by June 2027, while the remaining sites could be completed within the year if funding becomes available. 'Tingin namin kaya namin tapusin by June 2027, pero the rest po nitong 39, kung masisimulan po (We think we can finish by June 2027, but for the rest of the 39, if they've already begun), I think we can finish naman by December 2027,' Artes stated.
Artes also mentioned that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has committed to providing up to USD200 million for the projects. However, he clarified that the amount is not yet final and that the actual financing terms will still be discussed with the concerned agencies. The MMDA will meet with the Department of Finance and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) on Thursday to discuss the projects. Additionally, the agency will submit the necessary requirements to the Investment Coordination Committee for the proposed AIIB financing.
Artes explained that the projects are designed to temporarily capture and store rainwater in locations where water naturally accumulates, helping prevent drainage systems, rivers, and waterways from becoming overwhelmed during heavy rainfall. He stressed that the projects would not guarantee a 'flood-free' Metro Manila but would substantially improve flood mitigation in specific areas. 'We cannot guarantee flood-free Metro Manila,' he said, noting that increasingly intense rainfall events are also posing challenges to flood mitigation systems in other countries.
Castro, meanwhile, emphasized the need to provide adequate funding for flood control projects while ensuring that government spending is properly accounted for.
