The Pasig-Marikina River Improvement Project (PMRCIP) will alleviate the frequent flooding in Metro Manila caused by the overflowing of the said river system, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said yesterday.

“This project comprises of the construction and installation of revetments, parapet walls, dike embankment, sluice structures, bridge foundation protection and even riverbank excavation, dredging works, and drainage improvement along the priority critical sections of the Pasig-Marikina River,” said Villar.

Phase III of the project has already been completed comprising of improvements on the lower Marikina river, including the Napindan Channel and the downstream portion of Manggahan Floodway.

“The completion of Phase III decreased flood inundation by 18 percent and reduced flood damages by P14.3 billion. It also reduced the number of affected population by 0.2 million,” said Villar.

The civil works of Phase IV are currently underway to lower the Manggahan Floodway vis-à-vis the Marikina bridge. The construction of the Marikina Control Gate Structure included in that phase can lower the flood by 7.5%.

“This channel improvement project will help create a more dynamic economy in the metro by providing a flood-free urban center and rehabilitated drainage system, thus resulting to a sanitized and improved living condition for people residing around the area” Villar Added.