DPWH gets flood control project

Japanese Ambassador Yoshihisa Ara formally turned over to the Philippine government the P488-million Effective Flood Control Operation and Warning System (EFCOS).

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Simeon Datumanong received the project from Ara and representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in simple ceremonies at the DPWH Rosario Master Control Station in Pasig City. Also present in the turnover rites were officials of a consortium of contractors that included the Japanese-Based Itochu Corp. and TOYO Construction Co., Ltd. which undertook the project.

Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC), also a Tokyo-based firm, was tapped as equipment supplier. The project is aimed at reducing danger to lives and properties caused by floods in Metro Manila and nearby provinces through the operation of advanced flood control and warning facilities at the Pasig-Marikina-Laguna Lake Complex.

It follows the first phase of the EFCOS program dubbed the Nationwide Flood Control Dredging Project. The second part includes the telemetering and warning system at the Pasig-Marikina-Laguna Lake Complex.

The turnover rites also signaled the completion of the EFCOS rehabilitation at the Manggahan Floodway and the Napindan Hydraulic Control Structure.

With the EFCOS rehabilitation, flood damage downstream will be diminished through the establishment of rainfall, telemetering and water level gauging system together with a multiplex telecommunication system using advanced computer technologies