Learn The Major Flood Control Projects In The Philippines 2024

Flooding has been a persistent problem in Metro Manila and other parts of the Philippines, causing severe damage and disruption, especially during typhoon season. The recent devastation brought by tropical cyclone Enteng highlighted the urgent need for effective flood control measures. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration has consistently prioritized the implementation of significant flood control projects across the country.

These projects aim to reduce the risk of flooding and enhance the country’s resilience to natural disasters. Let’s take a look at some of the major flood management initiatives included in the current administration’s Build, Better, More program.

Major Flood Control Projects in the Philippines 2024

Some of the biggest flood control projects included in the Build, Better, More program are the IDDRR-CCA measures in Pampanga Bay, the San Antonio Swamp Ring Dike Project, and the Metro Manila Flood Management Program which focuses on the construction and rehabilitation of pumping stations in the Metro. 

1. Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (IDRR-CCA) Measures in Pampanga Bay

Image from NEDA Regional Office 3

Project Details:

• Inauguration Date: August 7, 2024
• Location: Low-lying areas of Pampanga Bay, including Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, and Sto. Tomas.
• Project Cost: ₱7.57 billion
• Funding Source: Republic of Korea under Loan Agreement No. PHL-17

Key Features:

• Dredging, excavation, and embankment work to enhance the capacity of waterways.
• Construction of bridges, footbridges, sluice gates, and fish pond gates.

Objective:

• The project aims to reduce massive flooding in Pampanga Bay’s low-lying areas and increase resilience during typhoon seasons. By improving waterway capacity and flood management infrastructure, the initiative is crucial for protecting lives and property in this flood-prone region.

2. Metro Manila Flood Management Projects

Image from MMDA

Key Projects:

• Metro Manila Flood Management Project:
  • Focuses on the construction and improvement of pumping stations.
• Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project – Phase IV:
  • Involves the construction of the Marikina Control Gate Structure to regulate water flow.
• Upper Marikina Dam:
  • Proposed dam upstream of Wawa Dam to reduce peak river flows during typhoons.

Impact:

• These projects are critical to strengthening Metro Manila’s flood defense system, which is vital for protecting millions of residents. By enhancing infrastructure, the government aims to mitigate the devastating impact of typhoons and heavy rainfall on the capital region.

3. Parañaque Spillway Tunnel Project

Image from DPWH

Project Details:

• An underground drainage channel designed to drain excess water from Laguna Lake to Manila Bay.

Key Features:

• The tunnel runs under Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Bacoor City.
• Supported by surveys from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Objective:

• This project aims to address extreme flooding by efficiently managing excess water flow and reducing the flood impact on adjacent cities. The tunnel is a strategic response to the recurrent flooding in these areas, offering a long-term solution to protect communities.

Other Flood Management Projects

As of May this year, 5,521 projects have been completed or are still ongoing. Ongoing and future projects focus on key rivers and flood-prone areas across the country. In addition to these initiatives are the notable projects underway in Region III, National Capital Region, Region V, and other key areas. Below are some of the projects included in this initiative.

• Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project – Aqueduct No. 7 (proposed) 
• Bayabas Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (under construction)
• Jalaur River Multipurpose Project – Stage II, Iloilo (under construction)
• Mindanao Irrigation Development Project (under construction)
• New Centennial Water Source – Kaliwa Dam Project (under construction)
• Repair of National Irrigation Systems (NIS) (under construction)
• Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project (proposed) 
• Water District Development Sector Project (WDDSP) (proposed) 

The government emphasizes floodwater management and impounding in watershed areas as a proactive approach to flood control, aiming to reduce the risks associated with heavy rainfall and typhoons.

Building A Flood-Safe Philippines

The administration’s commitment to flood control and disaster resilience is evident through substantial investments in infrastructure. These ongoing efforts are not only crucial for mitigating flooding in Metro Manila and other vulnerable regions but also for supporting economic stability. By implementing these projects, the Philippines is building a more resilient future, capable of withstanding the increasing threats posed by climate change.

References

Business Inquirer. (2023, February 6). P2.4-B Bulacan irrigation project ready by 2025. Business Inquirer. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://business.inquirer.net/385193/p2-4-b-bulacan-irrigation-project-ready-by-2025

DPWH. (n.d.). DPWH Showcases 2-Year Milestones under Build, Better, More Program. DPWH. https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/news/34724

DPWH. (n.d.). PBBM Inaugurates ₱7.57-Billion Flood Control Project in Pampanga. DPWH. https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/news/35112

Environmental Impact Assessment and Management Division. (2023, February 1). ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SUMMARY FOR THE PUBLIC (ESP) (English Version) The demand for water from the Angat River is a sen. Environmental Impact Assessment and Management Division. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://eia.emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1.-EIS-Summary-Engilsh-Version-1.pdf

MMDA. (n.d.). Metro Manila Flood Management Project Procurement of Consulting Services to Prepare the Metro Manila Overall Solid Waste Master Plan. MMDA. https://mmda.gov.ph/images/Home/MMDA-TOR-SWM-PLAN.pdf

PCO. (2024, May 7). News Releases – 4700 flood control projects done under PBBM watch; over 4000 under construction. PCO. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://mirror.pco.gov.ph/news_releases/4700-flood-control-projects-done-under-pbbm-watch-over-4000-under-construction/

Presidential Communications Office. (n.d.). DPWH to implement over 5k flood control projects. Presidential Communications Office. https://mirror.pco.gov.ph/news_releases/dpwh-to-implement-over-5k-flood-control-projects/

RTVM. (n.d.). Inauguration of the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Project – Stage 1. RTVM. https://rtvm.gov.ph/inauguration-of-the-integrated-disaster-risk-reduction-and-climate-change-adaptation-project-stage-1/

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Build Better More. Wikipedia. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Build_Better_More