President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected on Wednesday morning, May 20, the drainage improvement project at the G. Araneta Drainage Improvement Project along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue in Quezon City as part of the government’s flood mitigation efforts ahead of the rainy season.
The project involves the installation of two high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, each 1.50 meters in diameter, as part of the upgrading and rehabilitation of the area’s existing drainage system.
The initiative is designed to address recurring flooding along G. Araneta Avenue, particularly from Kaliraya Street to E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue. The improved drainage system is expected to discharge excess water into the San Juan River.
During the inspection, Marcos expressed optimism that the improvements would help reduce flooding once the rainy season begins.
He said additional excavation work is still being considered to further improve water flow capacity.
“Palagay ko pagdating ng tag-ulan, maghuhukay pa sila ng mga isang metro pa daw. Kulang pa daw yung pagkabawas nila sa lupa, isang metro pa daw. At malamang at mararamdaman na kaagad kapag tayo nasa tag-ulan na makikita natin na malaking mababawasan,” he said.
Following the site visit, the President said similar flood mitigation and drainage improvement projects will also be implemented in other parts of the country as part of broader preparations for the rainy season.
He emphasized that while Metro Manila remains a priority due to its dense population and high flood risk, flood control efforts are not limited to the capital region.
“Hindi para sa Metro Manila lamang, syempre yan ang inuuna natin dahil masyadong highly populated at maraming naapektuhan kapag bumaha, kaya ito ang inuuna natin. Ngunit hindi dahil bumabaha dito dito lang namin aayusin. Nahanap na kung saan nanggagaling ang tubig at gagawa ng paraan doon, para hindi na bumaba ang tubig. Para hindi na mapuno ‘yung ilog,” Marcos said.
“These are the strategies that we are employed, it will take a little time but we put in a good start,” he added.
