Gov't allots P5B for flood control projects

MANILA, Philippines - The Aquino administration has allotted P5 billion for several flood-control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan confirmed the fund appropriation during a recent NEDA Board meeting.

The P5-billion infrastructure fund will be divided among 15 projects, all aimed at improving flood control in the Philippines.

Of the amount, the government will spend P765 million to strengthen and restore the Manila Bay seawall along Roxas Boulevard and Luneta.

Aside from the seawall, the government will also construct flood gates and pumping stations to prevent water surges from Manila Bay.

The project aims to make Roxas Boulevard passable to vehicles in all kinds of weather.

Another project is the P370-million Upper Marikina Improvement Project, which will entail the improvement or construction of the wall along Nangka River to improve flood control.

The government is also setting aside P830 million for flood management and drainage projects in Valenzuela City, Meycauayan City, and Obando in Bulacan, which are among the flood-prone cities in the country.

The Department of Budget said the government is also allocating P800 million for the Kalookan-Malabon-Navotas (Kamanava) area.

Under the plan, the DPWH will construct a breakwater in Navotas to reduce the siltation rate at the mouth of Navotas River, while pumping stations in Malabon and Navotas will drain flood waters in the areas during high tide and strong rains.

The Malabon River wall will also be elevated to prevent the overtopping of the Malabon River and flooding nearby areas, the Budget department said.

Flood-management projects will also be implemented flood-prone areas in Region III, including Pampanga, Zambales, and Sto. Tomas. Region IV-A will also receive assistance, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said.

He said the fund allotments are aimed at addressing the worsening flooding problem in the Metro Manila and other high-risk provinces.

 “The recently approved allotment will support the implementation of a flood management master plan in these areas, where floodwaters begin to rise even with moderate rainshowers,” Abad said.

Under the flood management master plan, the government will execute flood risk and drainage management projects in targeted areas to avert the destructive effects caused by floods in recent years.

The plan will also serve as the government’s road map for the implementation of a long-term flood mitigation master plan until 2035.