MANILA, Philippines — Authorities opened a floodgate along Roxas Boulevard on Wednesday, July 16, to help manage floodwaters flowing into Manila Bay during the rainy season. This strategic move aims to reduce flood risks in the city amid persistent rains.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Don Artes and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno led the floodgate opening and the installation of trash traps near the Manila Yacht Club area. Local leaders emphasized the importance of this action to prepare for continuous downpours expected in the coming weeks.
Floodgate Opening Brings Immediate Relief
Mayor Moreno shared his optimism about the floodgate’s impact. “This is a big relief. The MMDA Chairman and I saw earlier that when it was lifted, the water flowed out,” he said in Filipino.
He added, “So now, hopefully, the stagnant water from the eastern to the western parts will be reduced. And in case of heavy rains and flooding, we hope the floodwaters will subside quickly. That way, we can at least help prevent damage to properties and ensure the safety of our students.”
Closed Sewer Lines Intensify Flooding Concerns
MMDA Chair Don Artes addressed recent concerns about flooding in Taft Avenue and Ermita. He clarified that three water channels previously draining these areas were blocked as part of the Dolomite Beach project’s environmental compliance.
“The drainage system is just part of the Dolomite Beach project. Because, under the Supreme Court’s mandamus order to clean up Manila Bay, the three outfalls — this being one of them — were blocked to prevent untreated water from flowing directly into the bay,” he explained.
Artes noted that the sewerage treatment plant (STP) handling water from these blocked channels is overwhelmed. “The STP doesn’t have the capacity to immediately process large volumes of water. It can’t handle the incoming flow, so it creates a bottleneck — the water gets stuck on the roads before it can be released,” he added.
Temporary Solutions and Long-Term Plans
To tackle the flooding, the opening of the Roxas Boulevard floodgate allows excess water to drain faster during heavy rains. Artes also mentioned that if this measure proves insufficient, opening the Remedios outfall could further ease flooding around the Remedios-Taft area.
“This is only a temporary solution. We’ll close it again in the dry season when there’s no more rain, so we can still comply with the mandamus order requiring the cleanup of water discharged into Manila Bay,” Artes said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Moreno highlighted the importance of the STP as a long-term solution to Manila’s flood and pollution problems. “In the long term, this STP is the solution to everything — it ensures that only clean water is discharged into Manila Bay. That said, it’s also clear that the facility built is still not enough.”
He added that more facilities like the STP need to be established throughout the western and northern parts of Manila to improve drainage and water treatment.
Moreno also reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to maintaining the Dolomite Beach area, which has become a local tourist spot. “We have to do our part as a city government, and we are working hand-in-hand with the national government,” he said.
For more news and updates on Manila Bay floodgate opening, visit Filipinokami.com.
