Three flood control pumps at the Sunog-Apog pumping station in Tondo, Manila are now fully operational following a major repair, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon announced during an inspection Saturday.

The P774-million pumping station, part of the larger Blumentritt Interceptor System, was fully funded and completed in 2020 but failed to function for six years.

Local residents previously complained that the inoperable facility worsened seasonal flooding in the area.

Dizon said the repairs were rushed over the last six months to meet a deadline set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“It did not work for six years,” Dizon said. “In six months, through our joint efforts, we have made it operational. This will be a big help in mitigating flooding in Tondo. Following President Marcos’ inspection, the pumping station was brought online in just six months.”

The station is designed to siphon floodwaters and transfer them to the nearby creek during heavy downpours.

It is expected to immediately benefit the neighborhoods of Blumentritt, Hermosa, a long stretch of Juan Luna Road, and most of Tondo’s second district.

As part of the wider interceptor system, the functional pumps at Estero de Sunog Apog are also expected to accelerate flood recession in other flood-prone areas of Manila and neighboring Quezon City, including España, Sampaloc, Rizal Avenue and Maria Clara.