New pumping station, waste crackdown eyed to curb flooding

Public Works and Highways Assistant Secretary Loreta Malaluan on Tuesday said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is actively collaborating with other government agencies to address the recurring flooding in Metro Manila.

In a media interview, Asec. Malaluan said the DPWH and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) continue their cleanup drives while fulfilling their mandate to rehabilitate Manila Bay.

One of the root causes of flooding, she noted, is the improper disposal of waste in estuaries and canals, which clogs waterways and hinders the function of pumping stations.

Malaluan also cited that in many areas, the volume of floodwater exceeds the capacity of existing pumping stations, causing delays in water drainage.

To address the issue, Malaluan said the DPWH is working closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to explore both punitive and incentive-based measures.

“We are currently looking into possible actions, especially with the DILG, whether to increase the penalties or to give awards to those who comply, while those who do not follow will be given penalties," she said.

Despite the challenges, Malaluan noted improvements in how quickly floodwaters now recede after heavy rainfall.

She revealed that a new pumping station is under construction in España, a known flood-prone zone in Manila. “This will be finished soon,” she added.

Malaluan emphasized that long-term solutions require both engineering interventions and community discipline.