TWO government agencies are collaborating with local government units in Metro Manila to mitigate the potential impacts of La Niña in the National Capital Region (NCR).
We met with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and representatives of local governments in Metro Manila in preparations for La Niña or heavy rains said chairman Romando Artes of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Artes said the MMDA and the DPWH have outlined various measures being implemented by the government, including the construction of pumping stations in flood-prone areas in the metropolis as part of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project.
Three pumping stations in Manila have been completed, and bidding is underway for the construction of four pumping stations in Quezon City, covering Araneta, Tatalon, and the Roxas District.
In case the pumping stations are inadequate, Artes said they have agreed to open the floodgates of the sewerage treatment plant in Manila Bay as needed to facilitate the free flow and quick recession of floodwater in the affected areas.
The Sunog Apog Pumping Station, currently under construction along San Diego Street in Manila was expected to reduce flooding along España Boulevard.
The MMDA also plans to cover the cost of repairing one of the pumps at a station in Mandaluyong City to expedite the process and address flooding in the Maysilo Circle.
Drainage improvement is also underway in Caloocan City, which is identified as a source of localized flooding in the area.
The MMDA gave assurance that all 71 pumping stations under the agency's responsibility are fully operational, with 36 of them being upgraded as part of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project. The agency regularly conducts clean-ups of drainage systems, creeks, and other waterways pursuant to its flood mitigation efforts.