President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday personally inspected the ongoing drainage improvement project along flood-prone G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City as the government ramps up efforts to address flooding under its “Oplan Kontra Baha” program.
During the site visit, Marcos emphasized the need for continuous dredging, clearing, and rehabilitation of drainage systems to lessen flooding and improve safety for residents living in vulnerable communities.
“Historically, even moderate rainfall easily causes flooding here. During heavy rains, the water level can rise above a person’s height,” the President said.
Marcos identified the G. Araneta area as one of Metro Manila’s critical flood-prone zones being prioritized by the government, while stressing that similar flood mitigation projects are ongoing across the capital and other parts of the country.
The President said current pipe-laying works are expected to be completed next week, while the construction of a permanent pumping station is targeted to begin within the year or early next year.
“These are the strategies we are employing. This is only one of many projects being implemented around Metro Manila and across the country to improve flood control,” Marcos said.
Joining the inspection was Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, who noted that residents had already started experiencing improvements during recent heavy rains.
“During the last rainfall over the weekend, we already saw some alleviation and improvement. But we should not stop there. We need to continue and finish this before June,” Dizon said, citing the President’s directive to complete the project before the peak of the rainy season.
Launched in November 2025, “Oplan Kontra Baha” includes drainage rehabilitation, pumping station upgrades, and clearing operations in waterways aimed at reducing flooding in Metro Manila and other flood-prone areas nationwide.
As part of the inspection, Marcos observed the installation of large high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes designed to channel rainwater from G. Araneta Avenue toward the San Juan River. The project also includes upgraded drainage inlets and improved outfall structures to speed up water flow during heavy downpours.
The President likewise checked the operation of a temporary pumping unit currently being used to help drain floodwaters into the river.
The G. Araneta Drainage Improvement Project stretches 758 meters from Kaliraya Street to E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue and involves the installation of two 1.50-meter-diameter HDPE pipes beneath the roadway to supplement the existing drainage system.
Funded with nearly P500 million under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, the project began in March 2025 and was already 96.75-percent complete as of May 18. Authorities expect full completion within the month.
Before leaving the area, Marcos also spoke with residents and assured them that the government would continue implementing flood control interventions to address long-standing flooding problems in the community.