MANILA, Philippines – Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro highlighted reported improvements in Metro Manila’s flooding situation as the government steps up efforts to address persistent flooding.
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| Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro holds PCO Press Briefing. |
During the Palace press briefing on Monday, August 10, Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies to reduce the burden of flooding on affected communities.
Castro cited the inspection conducted by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon in Las Piñas.
She said residents noticed that floodwaters now recede faster following flood-control interventions in the area.
“Kung noon ay hanggang tuhod ang baha, ngayon ay halos hindi na umaabot sa gutter ang tubig,” Castro said.
Castro also cited improvements in parts of Navotas, Valenzuela, Manila, and along G. Araneta Avenue and E. Rodriguez Avenue.
She said these areas had previously been frequently affected by flooding, but water levels now subside more quickly.
Similar improvements were reported along G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City following the rehabilitation of its drainage system.
Castro said the area previously experienced flooding that could reach chest level during heavy rains, but water now drains faster through the improved system.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes also reported improvements despite the heavy volume of rain recorded across Metro Manila.
“Malaki pong improvement kung titignan n’yo ang volume ng ulan na bumagsak sa Metro Manila,” Artes said during the briefing.
Artes said rainfall from upstream areas, including the Marikina Watershed, also contributed to water levels in Metro Manila.
“Marami sa ating mga kalsada na dati po ay lubog at hindi nadadaanan ay hanggang gutter-deep lang,” he said.
Artes attributed the improvement partly to Oplan Kontra Baha, which involves clearing and deepening waterways.
“Naghukay po tayo ng mga waterways,” Artes said, noting that major creeks and waterways had been deepened by two to three meters.
He said the effort helped improve water flow and prevent floodwaters from accumulating on roads.
The MMDA also deployed strike force teams to remove garbage and unclog drainage systems in flood-prone areas.
“Talagang lumulusong ito sa tubig... at nagde-declog ng mga drainage natin,” Artes said.
Despite the reported gains, Artes said Marcos ordered agencies to further strengthen their flood-control interventions.
“Natuwa po siya, pero at the same time, ipinag-utos niya po na paigtingin pa yung mga ginagawang interventions,” Artes said.
Castro also reiterated the President’s call for local governments and residents to work together, including through proper waste disposal, to help prevent clogged waterways and flooding.
— The Summit Express
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