Manila: The newly upgraded sidewalks along C-5 Road in Pasig City will help improve flood control through the use of water-absorptive pavement, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the kick-off of the Nature-based Sidewalk Improvement Project in Pasig City, MMDA Chair Romando 'Don' Artes explained that the project can prevent land subsidence by allowing rainwater to pass through, reducing runoff and puddling. 'Instead of the water going directly to the drainage, it will go to the rainwater catchment first, which can thus help in mitigating urban flooding,' Artes said.

The project, which spans approximately three kilometers, is the MMDA's response to the Pasig City government's request for assistance in repairing and rehabilitating sidewalks from Ortigas Avenue to Bagong Ilog. The pavers are made from crushed recycled glass and hard plastics, produced by the MMDA's Integrated Solid Waste Management Processing Facility at the Vitas Pumping Station, as part of the agency's recycling and river clean-up initiatives.

Artes noted that the pavers are environmentally friendly, enhance drainage, and are built to withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions. The new pavement along C-5 Road serves as the program's pilot and is set to be completed within six months. He also mentioned that the project will be expanded to other cities and municipalities in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Under the project, existing city sidewalks made of traditional impervious concrete will be replaced with a permeable pavement system with landscaping and, when possible, stormwater detention tanks. During the event, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto expressed his full support for the project, viewing it as an 'innovative solution' for creating a more walkable NCR.

Meanwhile, in a radio interview on Super Radyo dzBB, MMDA General Manager Undersecretary Nicolas Torre III reported that a protest held by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo did not have a permit and disrupted northbound traffic along EDSA. Torre stated that only the EDSA Busway lane remained operational on the northbound side of the highway, but it also experienced delays due to protesters attempting to block the busway. Personnel from the MMDA, Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were deployed to ensure safety and security in the affected areas. Additionally, Torre mentioned that illegally parked vehicles along EDSA would be towed.