At A Glance
- DPWH sets aside P2.5 billion from agency savings for a nine-month flood cleanup in Metro Manila.
- Around 120 estuaries, rivers, and drainage channels will be rehabilitated.
- Some government-built flood control structures were found to worsen flooding.
- The campaign follows President Marcos Jr.'s "whole-of-government and whole-of-nation" directive.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon (Photo: DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has set aside P2.5 billion from agency savings for a nine-month Metro Manila flood cleanup aimed at rehabilitating clogged waterways and removing structures that worsen flooding.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said in a television interview on Thursday, Nov. 13, that the fund will cover operations on around 120 estuaries, rivers, and drainage channels across the Greater Metro Manila area.
Dizon admitted that some government-built flood control structures—including previous DPWH projects—have unintentionally aggravated flooding.
He cited examples in Quezon City where streets were constructed over esteros, obstructing water flow.
“May mga illegal structure, gobyerno at DPWH pa mismo ang nagpatayo… Mga 10 years na po ata ang nakaraan (There are illegal structures, even the government and DPWH built some themselves. It was probably about 10 years ago),” he said.
Some older flood control projects were also found to be counterproductive.
The program follows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive for a “whole-of-government and whole-of-nation” approach.
Under the Greater Metro Manila Waterways Clearing and Cleaning Operations, the campaign aims to remove garbage, debris, and illegal structures clogging drainage systems.
Dizon emphasized the government’s commitment to the initiative, saying proper funding will ensure tangible results instead of wasted resources.