Quezon City: More flood projects not in ‘Sumbong sa Pangulo’ list

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has discovered dozens of flood control projects in the city that were not in the list released by the Office of the President through its “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website.

In addition to the 141 projects already included in the President’s website, Mayor Joy Belmonte confirmed that there were at least another 41 flood control projects that were also implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Quezon City.

“At present, we are validating if these projects exist and which projects were coordinated with the city, and which were not coordinated with the city,” she said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

“In the process of doing this, we also found 41 projects that were not included in the ‘Sumbong sa Pangulo’ list. There may be many more such projects,” she added in Filipino.

The city government has begun the validation of the projects, with Belmonte directly talking to residents to determine its impact in their communities.

Among those she visited was the retaining wall constructed along Commonwealth Creek, which residents said have worsened flooding in their area.

The mayor also visited the Holy Spirit National High School, where a building was reportedly built over a creek in 2017.

The mayor previously called out the DPWH for implementing projects without coordination with the city government.

She welcomed the directive of President Marcos requiring national agencies to secure permits from local government units before the implementation of any infrastructure project.

The order, the city government said, “is a vital step in ensuring that every government initiative is responsive to the needs, priorities and safety of our citizens.”

“It strengthens the intent of the Local Government Code, which mandates meaningful participation of LGUs in the planning and implementation of projects that directly affect their constituencies,” it added.

The city has an ordinance requiring coordination with the city’s Infrastructure Committee prior to the implementation of any project.

“Under this ordinance, a Certificate of Coordination from the Office of the Mayor is a prerequisite before permits are issued, ensuring public consultation, alignment with local development plans, and protection of citywide systems before any work begins,” city hall said.

Two pumping stations to be built over creeks have received notices of objection from the city as it violates the Water Code.

The city urged the DPWH and other agencies to work together in implementing projects that are aligned with the city’s drainage master plan.