'The President was pleased, but at the same time, he ordered us to intensify these interventions so they become even more effective.'
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads a situation briefing at Malacañang Palace on Monday to assess government disaster response and relief operations amid heavy flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones 'Luis' and 'Maymay.'
PHOTOGRAPH by Yummie Dingding for DAILY TRIBUNE
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed reports of easing flood conditions across major parts of Metro Manila while ordering officials to step up drainage and river clearing operations, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Don Artes said Monday.
Marcos met with Cabinet officials and disaster managers Monday to receive progress reports on the impact of recent monsoon rains and the ongoing government response across inundated communities.
Artes attributed the faster receding water levels to “Oplan Kontra Baha,” a multi-agency campaign launched in November 2025 to reduce urban flash floods through dredging, desilting, and clearing clogged waterways and drainage networks.
“The President was pleased, but at the same time, he ordered us to intensify these interventions so they become even more effective,” Artes told reporters. “Given the vast number of waterways here, we have likely covered less than half since starting last year.”
Despite days of continuous rainfall, most areas traditionally prone to heavy flooding — including the CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) area and major thoroughfares — remained passable, according to Artes.
Key locations showing improvement included España Boulevard and the Shaw, Aurora and P. Tuason underpasses.
However, portions of Parañaque City suffered chest-deep flooding after local creeks and major rivers became overwhelmed. High water volume at the upgraded Tripa de Galina Pumping Station also slowed drainage from low-lying sections.
To address the situation in Parañaque, the MMDA and the Department of Public Works and Highways are planning long-term infrastructure, including flood gates and new pumping stations in Barangay La Huerta and along the main river.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and MMDA officials are coordinating the project.
In the short term, the agency has deployed newly acquired mobile pumps — each capable of pumping 1.5 cubic meters of water per second — to drain flooded streets.
Two units were sent to Marikina City on Sunday night, while additional units were stationed along Taft Avenue in Manila and in Maguindanes to relieve standing water.
Artes cited that severe flooding in Las Piñas City occurred after its primary river was overwhelmed, compounded by high tides and narrowed riverbanks caused by past road construction.
Proposed flood gates and pumping stations are expected to address the Las Piñas bottleneck, he added.
