By Brian Campued
Following the launch of the www.sumbongsapangulo.ph platform, where the public can access information on flood control projects nationwide, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday inspected a flood control project in Barangay Santo Niño in Marikina City.
Being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project (PMRCIP) aims to improve the natural drainage system in Metro Manila to mitigate flooding.
Currently under Phase IV development, the PMRCIP includes dike construction, floodgate installation, river dredging, and waste management.
According to the Marikina City local government, the construction of slope protection structure along the Marikina River is being extended up to 100 meters to reach the Pasig River embankment.
The LGU also plans to increase the depth of the Marikina River to 21 meters to help prevent river overflow during continuous rains.
Also, the President inspected the installation of culvert pipes on Sumulong Highway as part of the drainage project in the city.
The inspection likewise came after Marcos, in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), ordered an audit into the flood control projects that were either started or completed from 2022 to 2025.
To address flooding woes in the metropolis, the DPWH, with support from JICA, has developed a Master Plan for Flood Control and Drainage Improvement in Metro Manila, which includes a feasibility study for the Pasig-Marikina River.
The DPWH is also completing work on the Marikina Control Gate Structure (MCGS).
PBBM wants DPWH to explore additional Sierra Madre containment structures
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who accompanied Marcos during the inspection of the PMRCIP, disclosed that the President instructed their agency to study the possibility of building additional containment structures for watersheds on Sierra Madre to mitigate flooding and minimize environmental damage.
According to Bonoan, the DPWH will conduct feasibility studies on the matter and may also seek funding assistance from the Japanese government.
“In the meantime, the President has instructed us to look into possible containment structures of watersheds of Sierra Madre. Pag-aaralan namin kung ano ang mga pwedeng gagawin namin,” Bonoan said. (with report from Vel Custodio / PTV News)
-jpv
