Politics · Philippines Bureau
Philippines identifies 30 sites for underground flood storage facilities
The Philippine government has pinpointed 30 locations across Metro Manila where large-scale underground water storage structures could be constructed to tackle the capital region's chronic flooding challenges. The sites were identified through a study by Dutch engineering consultancy Haskoning.
LSN Philippines ·
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the proposed rain catchment facilities represent a strategic approach to managing floodwaters that regularly inundate Metro Manila during the monsoon season. Among the identified locations are Plaza Rajah Sulayman and Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila's Malate district, as well as several other sites throughout the metropolitan area.
The project aims to address one of the Philippines' most persistent urban infrastructure challenges. Severe flooding during typhoon and monsoon seasons causes significant economic losses, displaces thousands of residents, and disrupts daily life across the capital region.
Haskoning's identification of potential sites represents the first phase in what officials describe as a comprehensive flood management strategy. The proposed underground storage system would capture and temporarily hold rainwater during peak rainfall events, allowing drainage systems to function more effectively and reducing inundation in low-lying areas.
Authorities indicated that further studies would be required to assess the feasibility, cost, and implementation timeline for the proposed facilities. The initiative reflects the government's commitment to deploying large-scale infrastructure solutions to mitigate flooding impacts on Metro Manila residents and businesses.