MMDA wants Metro Manila to be more flood-resilient

Flood control is one of the main responsibilities of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the agency is keen to make the country’s most densely populated region more resilient to floods especially during typhoon season. 

The MMDA recently held meetings and site inspections with representatives from the World Bank [Image: MMDA FB page]

MMDA officials and project proponents recently conducted meetings and site inspections together with representatives from the World Bank (WB) and Asian Infrastructure Development Bank (AIIB), under the WB's 8th Implementation Support Mission or ISM. These were part of ongoing assessments and status updates of the MMDA’s activities under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP).

Officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also joined the MMDA and WB at the Vitas Pumping Station in Tondo, Manila, where they held a site inspection of the MMDA’s Solid Waste Granulator (SWG) and Brick Making Facility. This is where solid waste is converted to by-products such as eco-bricks, eco-hollow blocks, eco-concrete barriers, and bio-waste compost materials.    

Solid waste collection efforts in barangays near flood pumping stations have reportedly improved [Image: MMDA FB page]  

The MMDA is the lead agency in implementing both the MMFMP’s Component 2 (Minimizing Solid Waste in Waterways) and Component 4 (Project Management and Coordination). Component 2 aims to improve solid waste management in barangays near the pumping stations, helping to maintain the facilities' efficiency. 

As the funding agencies for the MMFMP, the WB and AIIB reportedly recognized the progress made by the MMDA in the following flood control project activities: 

• Increased diversion rate from 5 percent to 8 percent for the SWG compared to the midterm review conducted in March 2022
• Wider reach of the mobile materials recovery facility from 10 to 42 barangays, resulting in a collection of 97,000 kilograms of waste compared to 8,000 kilograms in March
• Distribution of composting facilities to 32 barangays from three in March 

Ongoing initiatives include a water hyacinth processing plant nearing completion in the province of Rizal, installation of trash traps in selected waterways, and the completed installation of pilot pyrolysis equipment at the Vitas Pumping Station. 

In addition, the MMDA has also reportedly completed its 25-year Solid Waste Management master plan, aimed at making Metro Manila less vulnerable and more resilient against floods.       

“As we move forward, the MMDA has high hopes for project extension for us to successfully alleviate flood management issues in Metro Manila through the MMFMP’s structural and non-structural interventions, as well as the active participation and commitment of all stakeholders,” said MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes. 

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