The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) began construction on an underground water detention basin in Malate, Manila, to mitigate chronic flooding in surrounding commercial and residential sectors.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the detention facility is being constructed directly beneath Rajah Sulayman Plaza, serving low-lying areas stretching across Malate, Remedios and Taft Avenue.

“This will serve as a detention basin for the areas of Malate, Remedios, and up to Taft Avenue,” Dizon said.

The subterranean facility will measure 4.6 meters deep, offering a total water storage volume equivalent to two Olympic-sized swimming pools during heavy rainfall events.

Dizon thanked Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso for issuing the necessary local permits to launch construction.

The project aligns with presidential directives ordering the establishment of strategic water detention basins throughout Metro Manila to manage storm runoff.