THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) plans to build three underground detention basins at Rizal Park or Luneta with a combined capacity equivalent to 18 Olympic-size swimming pools to help reduce flooding in parts of Manila.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said Tuesday the three basins would each cover about 4,000 square meters and temporarily store stormwater runoff from flood-prone areas along Taft Avenue, Kalaw Avenue, Burgos Street, Roxas Boulevard, and parts of Remedios and Malate.
“We agreed on three detention basins inside the Luneta area. In fact, there were initially two, but another one was added,” Dizon said in an interview.
He said each basin would have a capacity equivalent to about six Olympic-size swimming pools.
The stored water would be gradually pumped into Manila Bay, instead of overwhelming the city’s drainage system during heavy rain.
Dizon said the project would also explore reusing the stored rainwater for watering plants and other maintenance needs at Luneta.
The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), which manages Rizal Park, proposed using the detention basins as a water source for the park.
NPDC officials said the project could help address the park’s water needs while making the facility more sustainable, particularly amid water-supply concerns.
Dizon said the three proposed sites are on the right side of Luneta facing Manila Bay, near the Luneta pumping station, beneath the parking area near the Harbor View Restaurant, and at the corner of Maria Orosa Street and Roxas Boulevard.
The DPWH will include the project as an additional item in its proposed 2027 budget after securing the necessary right-of-way and NPDC’s no-objection approval.
The DPWH chief said the project is also included in the City of Manila’s drainage master plan, which is being coordinated with the local government.
The DPWH will also coordinate with the Philippine Ports Authority because part of the area near Luneta has been considered for a cruise-ship facility.
The project is part of a broader DPWH program to use available open spaces as temporary water-retention facilities in flood-prone areas.
Dizon said similar detention basins are being pursued in Pampanga, Dagupan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Metro Manila, and other areas.
He said the concept was not difficult to implement if suitable areas for excavation were available, making it possible even in densely populated areas such as Manila.
Dizon also said the DPWH was continuing to improve drainage in Manila, including expanding water inlets along major roads and other flood-prone areas.
