President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to study the construction of additional containment structures in the Sierra Madre watershed to help mitigate flooding and reduce environmental damage.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the President tasked him to conduct a feasibility study on the proposal, adding that the department may also seek funding support from the Japanese government.
Marcos gave the directive during his visit to Marikina City on Monday to inspect the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project (PMRCIP) at the Marikina Bridge Under Loop in Barangay Santo Niño. The project is designed to improve Metro Manila’s natural drainage system and ease flooding.
“In the meantime, the President has instructed us to look into possible containment structures of watersheds of Sierra Madre. Pag-aaralan namin kung ano ang mga pwedeng gagawin namin,” Bonoan said in a media interview.
He noted that the completion of Phase IV of the PMRCIP will strengthen flood control in Marikina, Montalban, and Metro Manila, while the Marikina Control Gate Structure (MCGS) is also under construction.
According to Bonoan, Phase IV of the PMRCIP is targeted for completion by 2028, while the MCGS is expected to be finished between 2029 and 2030.
During his inspection, Marcos also checked the installation of culvert pipes at the corner of Sumulong Highway and McDonald’s Avenue in Marikina City.
