Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Thursday that additional pumping stations will be installed in Metro Manila to manage excess water and mitigate flooding in the capital region. The announcement followed his inspection of the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station in Pasay City, where he evaluated the facility's operations.
According to Philippines News Agency, the government aims to complete the installation of these additional pumping stations by the end of 2026 or early 2027, with most facilities expected to be operational by then. President Marcos emphasized the necessity of these facilities as the country continues to experience heavy rainfall.
'We are installing additional pumping stations, and those pumping stations are in and around Manila. I think altogether, we will have 13 additional pumping stations, which we should have in place by the end of this year or the beginning of next year,' Marcos stated after his site inspection. He noted that the volume of rainfall has increased significantly compared to previous years, prompting the government to assess whether the existing pumping stations can handle the heavy water flow.
Marcos highlighted that merely increasing pumping capacity won't solve the flooding problems, as garbage continues to impact drainage and pumping systems. He pointed out that although the Tripa de Gallina facility's pumps are functioning well and operating at full capacity, waste accumulation could reduce the system's efficiency.
'But again, that does not solve our problem with garbage. So, that is why we are here trying to find ways to dispose of the garbage in an environmentally friendly way,' he stated. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Romando Artes mentioned that four of the 13 additional pumping stations will be newly constructed, while the remaining nine will be upgraded.
Marcos warned that pumping stations would not operate efficiently if garbage continues to enter the system. The government is exploring various ways to utilize waste, such as turning organic materials into compost and other useful products, while other waste would need to be disposed of in landfills.
'Kaya't naghahanap tayo ng mga iba't ibang pamamaraan upang magamit 'yung basura, at iyan ginagawang compost, ginagawang paso na organic, tapos 'yung iba, kailangan talaga itapon sa landfill (So, we are looking for different ways to make use of the waste, such as turning it into compost and using organic waste to make pots. Other types of waste, however, really have to be disposed of in landfills),' he said.
He also underscored the need to address improper waste disposal to ensure the efficient operation of the country's pumping stations. 'It is all of the other inorganic waste that is being thrown into our system. Yan ang, nandiyan tayo nagkakaproblema (that is where we are having problems),' Marcos said, referring to the kitchen sinks, mattresses, and all sorts of waste found after floods subside.
