DPWH commits to holistic approach in mitigating flooding

DAVAO CITY — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed a comprehensive approach to address the country’s flood problems, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Wednesday.

“The President has ordered us to focus on our flood control projects,” said DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan in an interview. “These projects need to be resilient and implemented holistically because, as we know, engineering solutions are only one part of the solution to flood mitigation, especially in the context of climate change.”

Bonoan revealed that the DPWH plans to build three dams in the Sierra Madre mountains to help manage floodwaters and regulate their flow, offering protection against flash floods in Metro Manila.

“For Metro Manila, we should look into developing infrastructure that can impound water in the watershed areas,” Bonoan said.

The DPWH will also continue with the Pasig-Marikina Flood Control Program, which is designed to reduce flooding in key areas of Metro Manila.

In addition, Bonoan shared that the department is currently rehabilitating 37 regional pumping stations nationwide, with 15 already completed. He noted that the remaining pumping stations are expected to be finished within the year.

“These pumping stations have been in place for a long time, and we need to increase their capacity, particularly their pumping power,” Bonoan explained.

Beyond these efforts, Bonoan also emphasized the importance of addressing environmental challenges, such as proper waste management, as part of a broader strategy to mitigate flooding.