MANILA, Philippines — The 39 sites for the flood-catchment project are "execution-ready," complementing the government's vision of creating a "sponge city" to address flooding in the National Capital Region (NCR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes on Wednesday said under the plan, each local government unit in Metro Manila has at least two identified sites, while others have three, with projects varying according to local conditions.
Artes said the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank has committed $200 million to fund the construction of the water catchment basins — some of which can be completed before the end of 2026.
During a press briefing at Malacanang, Artes said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the MMDA to fast-track the feasibility study for proposed catchment facilities identified during their recent situation briefing on the effects of the southwest monsoon (habagat).
Sponge cities act like “sponges” to soak up, clean, and store rainwater, thereby reducing flood risks and water scarcity.
It will complement conventional flood control infrastructure, such as pumping stations, with systems that allow communities to capture, retain, and manage excess rainwater.
Asked whether the project would stop flooding in NCR, Artes said, "We cannot guarantee a flood-free Metro Manila because, as you have seen, our rainfall events are becoming stronger and stronger."
"That is also happening in other countries; even Japan, with its massive catchments and flood mitigation projects, still experiences flooding," he said.
"So, we really cannot guarantee it. But what we can assure is that these projects will be efficient in mitigating floods—they will have an impact, and the people's money will not be wasted," he added.
The study, conducted by Haskoning based in The Netherlands, initially identified 107 potential sites before narrowing the list to 39 based on consultations and assessments of the proposed locations.
He said the projects would be tailored to the conditions of each site. These include catchment or cistern-type facilities that can temporarily store excess rainwater underground.
Artes said the approach was becoming increasingly important as climate change brought more extreme weather conditions and heavier rainfall.
He said sponge city and nature-based solutions were already being implemented in countries such as Singapore, China, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
The initiative forms part of the Marcos administration’s continuing efforts to strengthen Metro Manila’s flood resilience through a combination of infrastructure investments, climate adaptation measures, and nature-based solutions.