In The Know: Metro Manila Flood Control Plan

The Metro Manila Flood Control Plan, which calls for at least P350 billion in infrastructure spending, was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority in July 2012. It covers a total of 11 infrastructure projects, including the Pasig-Marikina River improvement and construction of a large dam that will cost P198.43 billion.

It was the Aquino administration’s response to calls for solutions to massive flooding as shown in the widespread devastation caused by Tropical Storm “Ondoy” and Typhoon “Pepeng” in late 2009, and the “habagat” (southwest monsoon) episode in 2012.

The project also includes the Meycauayan River Improve-ment (P14.04 billion); Malabon-Tullahan River Improvement (P21.63 billion);

South Parañaque-Las Piñas River Improvement (P17.33 billion);

East Manggahan Floodway [Cainta and Taytay River Improvement] (P25.90 billion); West Laguna Lakeshore Land Raising (P25.18 billion); Land Raising for Small Cities around Laguna Lakeshore (P7.16 billion); Improvement of the Inflow Rivers to Laguna Lake (P64 million);

Manila Core Area Drainage Improvement (P27.26 billion); West Manggahan Area Drainage Improvement (P5.52 billion); Valenzuela-Obando-Meycauayan Improvement (for further study, P8.61 billion).

Environment advocates, like  lawyer Antonio Oposa, have suggested cheaper, more sustainable alternatives to the multibillion-peso projects, like digging pits and canals in strategic locations and surrounding them with vegetation to give rainwater “somewhere to pass and somewhere to go.” Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives; https://www.gov.ph/2015/07/31/dpwh-project-briefer-flood-management-master-plan