President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected the ongoing repair works at the North Navotas Pumping Station (NNPS) on Saturday. 

During his visit, Marcos was accompanied by Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Representative Toby Tiangco, who briefed him on the current flooding situation in the area and the importance of the pumping station’s operational readiness during high tide and weather emergencies.

Marcos underscored the government’s commitment to fast-tracking flood mitigation efforts in flood-prone areas of Metro Manila.

The NNPS, managed by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), plays a crucial role in controlling the entry of seawater from Manila Bay and in discharging inland floodwaters during storms and tidal surges. A key feature of the facility, the navigational gate, was damaged on 11 May after being struck by a vessel.

“Once the gate is shut, the pumping station begins operation, discharging floodwaters back into Manila Bay,” explained Engr. Michael Doce, chief of the MMDA’s Pumping Station and Flood Gates Division under the Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office (FCSMO).

Doce added that the President’s visit is expected to accelerate the repair efforts, citing the increased attention and urgency following the inspection.

The gate acts as a barrier against rising seawater, particularly during high tide, helping to protect low-lying communities in Navotas and nearby areas.

“Hindi natin ma-prevent ang pagbaha pero pwede natin itong ma-minimize,” Doce said. 

He pointed out that while flooding cannot be entirely prevented, its impact can be significantly reduced with functioning infrastructure.

Engr. Flocy Ismael, chief of the NNPS, confirmed that repair work is progressing and is targeted for completion by August 8. He, however, noted that the timeline for completing the navigational gate repair may be affected by weather conditions.