The Philippine government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), has strengthened its collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) to combat urban flooding and enhance water resources management across the country.

This was highlighted during the 5th Seminar on Disaster and Management Operations, Urban Flood Control, and Dam Development in Manila, attended by DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, MLIT Assistant Vice Minister Ishikawa Shin, Embassy of Japan Minister for Economic Affairs Nihei Daisuke, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Office Senior Representative Yanagiuchi Masanari.

The DPWH-MLIT partnership aims to advance integrated flood control solutions and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) using Japan’s cutting-edge technology and engineering expertise.

It also seeks to enhance cooperation among key national agencies, focusing on vulnerable areas like Metro Manila and strengthening disaster management capabilities.

Sadain emphasized the importance of the partnership in expanding technical knowledge and expertise, which are fundamental to achieving resilient and sustainable disaster risk management operations, especially in Metro Manila and areas like Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, Parañaque, and Taguig.

“Our longstanding partnership and collaboration with Japan remains instrumental and pivotal to the government’s efforts in strengthening our flood control and integrated water resources system management, which are key players in improving the urban planning in Metro Manila,” Sadain said.

Currently, the DPWH, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), is expediting the completion of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project Phase 1, which aims to improve drainage systems and solid waste management practices. The project, set for completion in 2026, is expected to benefit approximately two million residents in priority flood-prone areas in Metro Manila.

The forum also examined the status of flood risk information in the country, showcasing the collective efforts of relevant agencies to develop comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies, despite the worsening impact of climate change.

In response to the devastation caused by recent typhoons, including Typhoons Carina and Kristine, which severely affected parts of Luzon, the DPWH, in partnership with JICA, is fast-tracking updates to master plans for key river basins, including the Pasig-Marikina River Basin and the Cagayan River Basin.