MMDA eyes larger flood control planning role

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is seeking a primary role in the design and execution of flood control projects, moving away from its traditional role as a mere recipient of completed infrastructure.

MMDA chairperson Don Artes announced Monday that the agency is in talks with Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon to establish a new framework for cooperation.

Historically, the DPWH manages construction and turns over finished projects to the MMDA for maintenance.

“The DPWH handles the infrastructure projects insofar as flood control is concerned. They are just turned over to us once they are completed,” Artes said. “This time, the MMDA would like to be involved from the very beginning in the planning, execution and implementation.”

As the MMDA looks to regional planning, the local government of Quezon City launched a localized solution to chronic flooding.

This comes as Mayor Joy Belmonte announced the opening of a specialized basketball court in Barangay Sta. Monica that doubles as a flood-mitigation reservoir.

Located in Palmera Homes Phase III, the facility features an integrated detention basin with a capacity of 1,700 cubic meters — equivalent to more than half of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.