President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the government is accelerating flood mitigation projects in Metro Manila, including drainage improvements, desilting operations, and pumping stations, as part of efforts to reduce chronic flooding in densely populated urban areas.
Speaking after inspecting a drainage improvement project along E. Rodriguez Avenue and G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City, Marcos said the area remains highly vulnerable to flooding because of its low-lying terrain.
Meanwhile, heavy rain from easterly winds and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ICTZ) caused flooding in many areas of Davao City on Monday evening (May 18).
The Matina and Bunawan Rivers overflowed, affecting nearby residents. One person died from electrocution in Buhangin, a bridge was damaged in Callawa, and authorities monitored minor landslides in Magtuod and Cabantian.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon told the President during the inspection that ongoing pipe-laying works in the area are expected to be completed next week.
“When the rain is too heavy, or even when it’s just raining, as long as there’s rain, it immediately floods here,” the President noted.
Mr. Marcos said ongoing interventions include river desilting to deepen waterways, installation of large drainage pipes, and the construction of pumping stations to divert excess water during heavy rains.
He said the current pumping station is temporary and that the government plans to build a permanent facility closer to the San Juan River.
The President said the projects are part of a broader flood control strategy based on recommendations from an earlier study conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
According to Mr. Marcos, the government is implementing long-delayed recommendations from the study to improve water management and reduce flooding across Metro Manila.
He acknowledged that geography remains a major challenge because water naturally flows toward the low-lying district, adding that flooding worsens when nearby rivers overflow during intense rainfall.
“Once the river is full, the water really has nowhere else to go,” Mr. Marcos said.
The President said the government is prioritizing Metro Manila because of its dense population and the large number of residents affected by floods, while also expanding flood control projects to other regions nationwide.
He added that authorities are tracing upstream sources of floodwaters to prevent rivers from overflowing downstream communities.
Mr. Marcos said construction of the permanent pumping station could begin by the end of the year or early next year.
He expressed optimism that residents would see improvements during the coming rainy season as excavation and drainage works continue.
Power outages were also reported as Davao Light and Power Company cut off power supply to lines located in flooded areas to ensure public safety and prevent further damage to electrical facilities.
The Search and Rescue (SAR) team of Police Station 16, along with personnel from the 1st and 2nd City Mobile Force Company (CMFC) of the Davao City Police Office, were actively deployed across their areas of responsibility to assist flood-affected residents
According to city information officer Harvey Lanticse a total of 358 families were evacuated to safety Monday night due to the flooding. Many returned to their homes the following morning.
The city government declared a suspension of classes and work in government offices on Tuesday for public safety and to allow affected families to clean up and make fixes.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos: Gov’t hastening flood projects in NCR before rains.”
