By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) expects the repair of two key pumping stations along Roxas Boulevard to be completed by the first week of July, ending more than a year of inactivity that contributed to severe flooding in parts of Manila.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon announced on Wednesday during an inspection of the Padre Faura Pumping Station located near Manila Bay’s Dolomite Beach.
According to Dizon, the Padre Faura, Remedios, and Abad pumping stations have remained non-operational for about a year despite having been completed in 2024.
“By the end of June, these pumping stations in Roxas Boulevard will be connected to Meralco, and the remaining repairs will be completed by the first week of July at the latest,” Dizon said.
He noted that repairs at the Padre Faura facility have already been completed, leaving only the Remedios and Abad stations undergoing final restoration work.
The DPWH chief said the facilities suffered damage after large volumes of garbage and debris accumulated inside the system, affecting their ability to drain floodwaters from major catchment areas stretching from Taft Avenue to P. Ocampo Street.
Dizon attributed recurring floods in parts of Manila to the prolonged malfunction of the pumping stations, which are designed to quickly discharge stormwater during heavy rains.
He also revealed that the facilities had never been connected to the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) since their completion and had been relying solely on generator sets for power.
Despite concerns raised by some sectors, Dizon assured the public that the operation of the Padre Faura pumping station would not wash away the dolomite sand along Manila Bay once it begins releasing floodwaters.
Following the rehabilitation, the DPWH will coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Manila City government to determine who will take charge of operating and maintaining the pumping stations.
“If I were to be asked, I think it’s better if the City of Manila will operate these because they have more knowledge, and we will provide technical support,” Dizon said.
The repairs were funded through the DPWH’s maintenance budget after flood-control projects received no allocation under the 2026 national budget.
Looking ahead, Dizon said he has instructed DPWH officials in Manila to prepare funding for the construction of larger drainage systems along Taft Avenue under the 2027 budget to strengthen flood mitigation efforts.
The secretary is also expanding inspections to other flood-prone areas across Metro Manila. He is scheduled to meet Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto to discuss infrastructure and flood-control measures, including sidewalk improvements, road rehabilitation, and flooding concerns along C-5 Road.
He likewise plans to inspect low-lying communities in Valenzuela City, where the local government is set to assume responsibility for operating and maintaining nine pumping stations beginning this month.
The rehabilitation of the Roxas Boulevard pumping stations is expected to provide much-needed relief to motorists, businesses, and residents who regularly face flooding during heavy downpours in the capital.
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