METRO

MMDA begins interceptor pipeline

Lisa Marie Apacible · Aug 28, 2026, 2:04 AM

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairperson Atty. Don Artes meets with representatives from Japan’s Ebara Corporation and Sun East Asia Corporation to discuss advanced flood management solutions for Metro Manila. — PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MMDA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started a major drainage improvement project along Marcos Highway to enhance stormwater management and reduce chronic flooding across Pasig, Marikina and Cainta.

Work on the 3.7-kilometer interceptor pipeline began 24 August and is expected to take 330 calendar days to complete, the agency said.

The project features high-density polyethylene piping with a minimum diameter of 1.5 meters, stretching from Halang Creek to the Marikina River.

Designed to handle stormwater flows up to 11 cubic meters per second, the pipeline is built to withstand high hydraulic pressures during heavy rainfall.

By diverting floodwaters directly into the Marikina River, the system aims to bypass narrow local waterways and reduce overflow in nearby communities, according to Cainta municipal officials.

The MMDA warned commuters and motorists traveling toward Pasig, Marikina, Cainta and Antipolo to expect traffic congestion and delays near active construction zones.

Agency officials said they are coordinating with affected local government units to deploy traffic personnel and minimize disruptions throughout the 11-month construction period.