MANILA — The Marcos administration is moving to replace undersized culverts and upgrade aging drainage systems in flood-prone areas nationwide after government reviews found that decades-old infrastructure can no longer cope with the volume of water brought by heavy rains.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants improvements already undertaken in parts of Metro Manila replicated in other areas as the government addresses longstanding weaknesses in the country’s flood control system.
The push comes as authorities investigate alleged anomalous and nonexistent flood control projects funded under both previous and current administrations, with the probes also exposing deficiencies in existing flood mitigation infrastructure.
Castro said the investigations into alleged ghost projects have given the government a clearer picture of areas where flood control systems need upgrading and helped identify projects that could provide longer-term protection to communities.
Among the problems identified are undersized culverts, some of which were constructed decades ago and are no longer adequate for the volume of water they are expected to carry under present conditions.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has begun implementing larger culverts in some areas, with the administration looking to expand the approach to other flood-prone communities, Castro said.
The larger structures are designed to improve water flow and shorten the time floodwaters remain in affected areas.
Castro said the government has already observed faster drainage in several parts of Metro Manila following initial interventions discussed during a situation briefing led by Marcos on Wednesday.
While authorities cannot completely prevent flooding during heavy rains, Castro said improving drainage and other flood control infrastructure could help floodwaters recede more quickly and reduce their impact on communities.
Marcos wants the improvements observed in Metro Manila replicated in other parts of the country vulnerable to recurring floods, she added.
The administration’s renewed flood control push follows investigations that uncovered alleged ghost projects and other irregularities, prompting authorities to reassess not only how government flood mitigation funds were spent but also whether existing infrastructure remains adequate.
The Palace also urged residents to do their part by properly disposing of garbage and keeping waterways and surrounding areas free of waste and other materials that could obstruct water flow and aggravate flooding./PN
