DPWH seeks P1.5 billion for 2027 Taft Avenue drainage project

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is seeking a P1.5-billion budget to begin the drainage expansion project along Taft Avenue next year.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said changing the drainage systems along the thoroughfare would address the issues of rapid flooding in the area during intense rainfall.

“The real solution here is like what we did in Sta. Isabel where we expanded the drainage,” Dizon said.

He noted that while declogging operations are viable options to address flooding in the area, upgrading the decades-old drains along Taft Avenue would help in reducing flood levels and allow floodwaters to recede more quickly.

“If you ask residents from Sta. Isabel who experienced waist-level flooding, they’ll tell you that the floodwaters have become much lower and recede much faster,” Dizon said. 

The DPWH said the project would cover the expansion of drainage from Pasay to Ayala Bridge.

With added road congestion, Dizon appealed to the public for patience as the project would take six to seven months to complete.

“We have no choice. We will just fast-track the upgrades of our drainage next year,” Dizon said.

His visit to the drainage system in front of De La Salle University along Taft Avenue marks the second site inspection of flood control projects this week in Manila.