MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will be working together to craft a master plan and feasibility study on flood control and drainage project in Davao City.
In a statement Tuesday, the DPWH said the project aims to enhance the river basin and improve drainage system in Davao City in accordance with JICA’s Environmental and Social Considerations.
DPWH Secretary Mark Villar and JICA Philippines Office Chief Representative Yoshio Wada formally signed the Records of Discussions (RD) on Monday.
The department noted that the RD is for the conduct of feasibility study needed in the formulation of a blueprint towards flood prevention in the city following the Integrated Watershed Resources Management (IWRM) Approach.
It was drafted after series of discussions between DPWH, JICA and other relevant organizations to develop a detailed plan of the undertaking, both structural and non-structural.
Based on the signed RD, the study will be carried out in three stages: (1) the basic study of the consolidation of basic information/data; (2) the master plan study for the drainage and flood-control of Davao City which includes Davao River, Matina River, and Talomo River Basin; and (3) the conduct of feasibility study on urgent and/priority projects.
Both institutions are looking to finalize the study within 24-month time frame, and by then can be utilized in implementing projects that will mitigate damage of flooding in Davao City.
Also present during the signing are DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Flood Control Management Cluster Director Patrick B. Gatan, DPWH-UPMO Project Manager Rogelio Ang, JICA Expert Takafumi Nakui, JICA Philippines Senior Representative Ayumu Ohshima and JICA Philippines Economic Growth Group Representative Atsushi Shibata.
The event was held at the DPWH Central Office, Port Area, Manila. (PR/PNA)
