Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso announced on Tuesday that long-delayed flood mitigation works at the Sunog Apog Pumping Station are finally moving forward after eight years of inaction.

During an inspection of the facility, Moreno said a full technical review identified the root cause of the problem and led to a permanent solution. “Masaya akong ibabalita… alam na yung problema, meron nang maayos at pang-permanenteng solusyon,” he said.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that the pumping station, built in 2018, had never operated. “Eight years na… hanggang ngayon eh walang nangyari dito. Hindi umandar ito ever,” Dizon said.

Moreno said one of the four pump gates has been restored by DPWH contractor Prime Infra, with a test run set on January 16, 2026. “We are hoping that proof of concept will run January 16,” he said, adding that at least three pumps are expected to be operational by the start of the rainy season.

Once fully completed by September 2026, the pumping station will be turned over to the MMDA, significantly boosting flood control in the area.