DPWH moves to widen road inlets as Metro Manila battles recurring floods

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 19, 2026

Photo Courtesy: RTVM

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways is moving to redesign drainage inlets along major Metro Manila roads as part of efforts to make floodwaters drain faster in flood-prone areas.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency will begin with major roads including Roxas Boulevard, EDSA, C-5, Taft Avenue, España, Quezon Avenue and Commonwealth, prioritizing areas where small inlets slow the movement of floodwater.

“We need to make the inlets larger,” Dizon said, citing the flooding along EDSA near Estrella as one area where improved drainage could help water subside more quickly.

The projects will initially use maintenance funds, as the DPWH does not have dedicated flood control funds for 2026. Dizon said work is already underway along parts of EDSA and C-5 in Pasig City.

The DPWH chief also ordered the repair of roads damaged by the recent heavy rains, although he acknowledged that road work will have to wait for better weather conditions.

He said the agency also needs to address drainage and pumping systems before repairing damaged roads, noting that floodwater can quickly deteriorate asphalt.

At the Remedios Pumping Station in Manila, Dizon reported that two new pumps have been delivered and will be installed once weather conditions improve. Backup pumps are also available, including one provided by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Dizon said the pumping facilities remain operational and are helping move water from areas around Taft Avenue and Remedios Circle toward Manila Bay.

The DPWH is now looking at drainage, pumping capacity and road repairs as interconnected problems, rather than relying on a single flood-control solution.