By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Metro Manila’s fight against flooding received a significant boost on Tuesday as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in partnership with the Pasig City government, rolled out an innovative sidewalk rehabilitation project along C-5 Road featuring permeable, eco-friendly pavement designed to absorb rainwater instead of allowing it to overwhelm drainage systems.
The initiative, officially launched in Pasig City, introduces a new generation of sidewalks built with water-permeable paving blocks that allow rainwater to seep naturally into the ground. Authorities said the system is expected to lessen surface runoff, reduce flooding during heavy rains, and help replenish underground water reserves.
MMDA General Manager Romando “Don” Artes said the project represents a shift toward nature-based infrastructure, emphasizing that rainwater should be allowed to infiltrate the soil before entering drainage networks.
According to Artes, this approach minimizes water accumulation on roads while helping address land subsidence, a growing concern in several parts of Metro Manila.
The pilot project stretches approximately three kilometers along C-5 Road, covering the section between Ortigas Avenue and Barangay Bagong Ilog. It was initiated following a request from the Pasig City government to rehabilitate aging sidewalks while incorporating climate-resilient engineering.
One of the project’s unique features is its use of sustainable construction materials. The paving blocks are manufactured from crushed recycled glass and processed hard plastics recovered through MMDA’s river cleanup and waste management operations at its Integrated Solid Waste Management Processing Facility in Vitas.
Aside from diverting waste from landfills, the recycled materials produce durable pavement capable of withstanding heavy pedestrian traffic and extreme weather conditions while promoting better water infiltration.
Officials said the upgraded sidewalks will eventually include landscaped areas and, where site conditions permit, underground stormwater detention systems to temporarily store excess rainwater during intense downpours.
Construction is expected to be completed within six months.
If proven successful, the MMDA plans to replicate the project in other cities and municipalities across the National Capital Region as part of a broader strategy to improve flood resilience and create safer, more pedestrian-friendly communities.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto welcomed the initiative, saying the partnership reflects the city’s commitment to building greener and more accessible public spaces while adopting practical solutions to Metro Manila’s recurring flooding problems.
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