Palace identifies 39 sites for flood-control rain-detention structures in NCR

The Philippine government has moved forward with its infrastructure strategy to combat recurring flood disasters in the National Capital Region, releasing a comprehensive list of proposed rain-detention structure sites on Thursday. The 39 locations represent an increase from earlier projections and signal an acceleration of planning efforts to address the persistent flooding that has disrupted residents and businesses across Metro Manila.

The initiative follows a situation briefing led by President Marcos Jr., during which officials outlined plans to construct large-scale rain-catchment facilities designed to capture and temporarily store runoff during heavy downpours. Such structures are intended to reduce the volume of water flowing into urban waterways and drainage systems during typhoons and monsoon rains, which frequently overwhelm existing infrastructure.

The identification of potential sites marks a key phase in project development, with officials expected to proceed with technical assessments and feasibility studies on the shortlisted locations. The government has prioritized flood mitigation as critical infrastructure investment, with plans to begin construction on priority sites in the coming months.

Metro Manila and surrounding provinces have struggled with severe flooding for decades, with inadequate drainage systems and rapid urbanization exacerbating the problem during the rainy season. Officials have indicated that the rain-detention structures represent one component of a broader flood-management strategy that includes rehabilitation of existing waterways and drainage systems.