MANILA, Philippines — After sitting idle for six years, three vital pumping stations are back online following a rapid six-month rehabilitation blitz by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as part of the government's aggressive nationwide push to protect low-lying and flood-prone communities.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said on Monday that the move follows the directive of the President to modernize drainage areas in Metro Manila and in other areas by rehabilitating and upgrading an estimated 36 pumping stations.
Three of the four Sunog Apog Pumping Stations in Tondo, Manila were rehabilitated in a bid to reduce recurring flooding in the capital during typhoons and the southwest monsoon season. The facility forms part of the Blumentritt Interceptor System, one of Metro Manila’s key flood-control networks.
Dizon said the station’s flood pumps were designed to drain excess water from the Estero de Sunog Apog and nearby waterways, helping prevent prolonged flooding during heavy rains.
"This was non-operational for six years. In six months, thanks to our cooperation, we got it working," he said.
