The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) acknowledged delays in several critical flood management projects in Metro Manila as the urgency for effective flood control heightens amid the increasing effects of climate change.
Engineer Lydia C. Aguilar of the DPWH Unified Project Management Office-Flood Control Management Cluster (UPMO-FCMC) said despite these setbacks, the agency remains steadfast in its efforts to shield Metro Manila residents from worsening flood risks.
Among the key initiatives, a flood management project funded by a $207.6 million World Bank loan has seen only $57.31 million—or 27.6%—disbursed to date, raising concerns about meeting the November 30, 2024, completion deadline.
“Recent climate-related disasters have exposed the region’s vulnerability, emphasizing the need for immediate action,” Aguilar told the Manila Bulletin in an interview.
She attributed much of the delay to the three-year disruption caused by the pandemic, which affected the momentum of several ongoing projects.
Approved in 2017, the flood management program aims to safeguard 1.7 million residents over 11,110 hectares of flood-prone areas in Metro Manila.
Progress includes the rehabilitation of 15 out of 34 pumping stations, with construction underway for four new stations. However, challenges such as initial technical issues and insufficient dredging have caused significant delays in completing the project.
While the World Bank has assessed the overall risk of the project as "moderate," it also acknowledged the advancements made thus far.
Aguilar explained that the DPWH has crafted master plans for all 18 major river basins in Metro Manila, reflecting a strategic approach tailored to the region's diverse environmental needs.
To strengthen flood control measures, the DPWH is actively seeking additional official development assistance (ODA) from international partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
These partnerships are crucial for advancing climate risk mitigation efforts throughout the metropolitan area.
In response to severe typhoons that have worsened flooding, Aguilar said the DPWH is prioritizing the construction of additional dams in the Sierra Madre mountain range to boost rainwater storage capacity and mitigate flood risks in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Collaboration with local government units and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) remains integral to the DPWH's comprehensive flood management strategy.
Despite the financial and operational challenges, the DPWH is determined to implement timely and effective solutions to protect the lives and livelihoods of Metro Manila's population.
As climate change intensifies, the need for robust flood control measures grows ever more critical, and the department is committed to delivering on its mandate to ensure public safety.