The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will begin upgrading the aging drainage system along Taft Avenue in Malate, Manila, next year, in a bid to resolve decades-long flooding that has repeatedly stranded students, commuters and motorists during heavy rains.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said funding for the project will be included in the proposed 2027 national budget, with the agency seeking about 1.5 billion pesos to support the drainage improvement works, particularly in front of De La Salle University (DLSU).

The planned upgrade follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the installation of high-capacity drainage systems in flood-prone areas across Metro Manila to speed up flood recession.

“Next year, papaspasan natin yung pag-upgrade ng mga drainage natin,” Dizon said.

Dizon made the statement after inspecting the area on Friday, where he observed that existing drainage facilities along Taft Avenue are shallow and undersized.

He noted that the drainage system has not been upgraded for many years, contributing to the rapid rise of floodwaters during periods of intense rainfall.

The DPWH said the project aims to improve water flow capacity and mitigate flooding in one of Manila’s busiest thoroughfares, which is frequently inundated during the rainy season.