Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the importance of flood control and strong inter-agency coordination during the ongoing construction of the PNR Blumentritt Station. The project is expected to ease commuting and reduce flooding in surrounding areas.

In an ambush interview at the site, Domagoso shared updates on the area’s drainage improvements, particularly the operation of a nearby pumping station.

“Halimbawa, gumagana na 'yung Estero de Sunog Apog pumping station, mapu-pull up lahat 'yung tubig dito sa gilid ng project, and through the development of the project, lalaki ngayon 'yung aming kanal (For example, the Estero de Sunog Apog pumping station is now operational, it can pull up all the water from the sides of the project. And through the development of the project, our drainage canals will be expanded)," the mayor said.

His statement highlighted how the project is expected to enhance the area's flood mitigation system and support better water flow in the long term.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon echoed the focus on flood control and pointed to the risks of poorly coordinated urban infrastructure.

“Nakita naman natin na kapag mali 'yung construction at hindi coordinated sa city, nagkakaproblema sa baha (We’ve seen that when construction is done wrong and not coordinated with the city, it causes problems with flooding)."

He emphasized that the DOTr is working closely with the City of Manila to avoid such issues, in line with the city's policy not to neglect flood-related concerns.

Dizon also thanked the mayor for his support, which helped jumpstart the long-delayed project and ensured that homes previously set for demolition were spared.

“Malaking tulong ang pagtutulungan lalo na sa pagprotekta sa mga bahay na orihinal sanang gigibain dahil sa konstruksiyon ng proyekto (The collaboration was a big help, especially in protecting the homes that were originally set to be demolished because of the project)," he said.

Domagoso reaffirmed the city’s full commitment to infrastructure projects that benefit the public, saying:

“Lahat ng proyekto na makabubuti lalo na sa ating mga kababayan — the city government will support it 101 percent (Any project that will benefit our people, the city government will support it 101 percent)."