3 rainwater impounding facilities to rise in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Manila government formalized their partnership yesterday for the development of three Rainwater Impounding Facilities (RIFs) aimed at addressing flooding in the city.

In line with President Marcos’ directive to complete flood management projects ahead of the next rainy season, the three RIF projects are targeted for completion by June 30, 2027.

The RIFs will be located in Rajah Sulayman Park, Remedios Circle and ASEAN Garden within the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex near the Vito Cruz drainage main outfall.

The proposed sites were identified following technical studies by Haskoning, which assessed their feasibility as locations for RIFs, particularly in areas that have experienced recurring flooding.

“We thank Mayor Isko for the continued support and cooperation of the city government as we work together to implement flood management measures,” MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said.

The projects are designed to temporarily store excess stormwater during heavy rainfall, ease pressure on existing drainage systems and reduce flood risks in surrounding communities.

The Rajah Sulayman Park RIF will provide underground or subsurface storage for excess stormwater, while the Remedios Circle project will combine rainwater storage with drainage improvement works and nature-based solutions.

The ASEAN Garden RIF will capture floodwaters coming from the Vito Cruz catchment through the drainage along P. Ocampo street.

Moreno expressed his gratitude to the MMDA for the interventions in mitigating Manila’s flooding woes.

Meanwhile, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) administration have started talks to address the perennial flooding along España Boulevard.

Dizon met with UST officials and proposed the construction of an underground stormwater detention basin within the campus. — Rainier Allan Ronda