The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is prioritizing the construction of water detention facilities in Metro Manila and other areas across the country to help address flooding amid successive heavy rains.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon gave the assurance during the House Committee on Appropriations briefing on the proposed 2027 DPWH budget, following a call from Parañaque 2nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan to provide funding for such facilities.

Yamsuan emphasized the need for water detention facilities to properly store rainwater and help reduce the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying communities.

Dizon said the initiative was also ordered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who directed the DPWH to prioritize the establishment of water detention facilities.

According to Dizon, dredging operations alone may not be enough to address flooding because waterways can remain clogged with garbage, aside from problems caused by shallow waterways.

However, Dizon acknowledged that securing right-of-way areas remains a major challenge, particularly in densely populated Metro Manila where available spaces for construction are limited.

As a possible solution, he pointed to the use of existing open spaces, including parks, golf courses, and other suitable areas that could potentially serve as water detention sites.

The DPWH said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve flood control and strengthen the country’s resilience against increasingly frequent heavy rainfall.