Leyte: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for an immediate completion of the Leyte Tide Embankment Project, which has been under construction for a decade. During his speech at the Burauen Community College, President Marcos emphasized the importance of the project designed to protect coastal communities from large waves, highlighting its role in enhancing the country's disaster resilience.

According to Philippines News Agency, the tide embankment project is 64 percent complete as of the end of December 2024, as reported by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Friday. DPWH Eastern Visayas Director Edgar Tabacon acknowledged the challenges faced in constructing the 38.12-km storm surge protection from Tacloban City to Tanauan town, 11 years after Super Typhoon Yolanda hit the region. The completion of the project relies heavily on the funds provided by the central government.

The estimated budget for the project is PHP12.17 billion, with PHP9 billion released between 2016 and this year for the 19-km flood mitigation structure and a 5.43-km backwater dike. As of the end of October, the DPWH has completed 19.51 km of the 38.64 km structure, with ongoing construction on 5.52 km, while work on 13.6 km has yet to begin.

The Leyte Tide Embankment Project involves building 22.63 km of flood mitigation structures and 16 km of backwater dike structures. The flood mitigation structure is designed to protect communities in Tacloban City and the nearby towns of Palo and Tanauan from destructive waves. It features stainless steel flap gates and river gates with actuators, along with a bike lane equipped with railings, ramps, and streetlights.