President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged the continued implementation of the G. Araneta Drainage Improvement Project in Quezon City as part of the government’s efforts to reduce flooding under the “Oplan Kontra Baha” program.
The President made the commitment on Friday during an inspection of the completed section of the drainage project, which forms part of broader flood mitigation initiatives in Metro Manila.
Marcos said residents in the area have already begun to experience improved drainage conditions, with floodwaters receding faster during heavy rainfall compared to previous years.
He noted that persistent flooding had long affected residents, motorists, and nearby businesses, prompting government intervention to upgrade drainage systems in flood-prone communities.
“Kaya napakalaking bagay na ayusin natin ito. Kaya ’yan ang ating ginawa, patuloy natin itong gagawin,” the President said.
He added that the project is still ongoing, with additional works planned on the remaining sections to further improve water flow in the area.
“So dito pa lang ito, one-half pa lang ito… gagawin din natin ’yan dun sa kabila para talagang mabilis ang takbo ng tubig at hindi na mababaha,” Marcos said.
The President also raised concerns about garbage accumulation that could clog drainage systems, stressing the need for a more coordinated and sustained cleanup effort with local government units.
He said he would coordinate with Quezon City officials to establish a more systematic approach to declogging waterways and preventing waste from entering drainage channels.
Marcos previously inspected the same area in May, identifying it as one of several priority flood-prone locations under the government’s infrastructure and disaster mitigation program.
The G. Araneta project is among multiple drainage and flood control interventions being implemented across Metro Manila and other vulnerable areas nationwide under “Oplan Kontra Baha,” which includes waterway clearing, drainage rehabilitation, and pumping station upgrades.