Marcos inspects QC drainage rehab

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday emphasized the need for the continuous rehabilitation of drainage systems in a flood-prone area in Quezon City (QC) as he inspected an ongoing improvement project.

“These are the strategies we are employing… This is just one. We are doing several around Metro Manila and the entire Philippines to find a way to flood control,” he said in mixed English and Filipino in an inspection at G. Araneta Avenue, Quezon City, ahead of the country’s wet season.

Among the works undertaken in the area were pipe-laying activities expected to be completed next week and the construction of a pumping station, which is expected to begin within the year or in early 2027.

The Philippines in 2025 was struck by a multibillion-peso flood mitigation scam following Mr. Marcos’ revelation in his annual state address, alleging the collusion involving public officials, lawmakers and private contractors to pocket money from projects.

Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said residents have felt some relief during recent rains since projects began.

“During the last rain over the weekend, we saw that we are already seeing some alleviation, we are already seeing some improvement. But we are not yet satisfied with that. We need to continue and finish it before June,” he told reporters in Filipino, noting that the President’s directive is to complete the project before the onset of the rainy season.

The projects form part of the government’s “Oplan Kontra Baha” which involves clearing operations, drainage rehabilitation and pumping station upgrades. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana