What Readers Should Know
The MMDA and City of Manila signed an agreement for three proposed rainwater impounding facilities at Rajah Sulayman Park, Remedios Circle, and ASEAN Garden in the CCP Complex. Targeted for completion by June 30, 2027, the projects will temporarily store stormwater and ease pressure on drainage systems.
Key Takeaways
- MMDA and Manila signed a Memorandum of Agreement for three proposed rainwater impounding facilities.
- The planned sites are Rajah Sulayman Park, Remedios Circle, and ASEAN Garden in the CCP Complex.
- The facilities are intended to temporarily store excess stormwater and reduce pressure on drainage systems.
- The ASEAN Garden project may include a wastewater or sewage treatment facility, but this remains a proposed option.
- The three projects have a target completion date of June 30, 2027.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the City of Manila have signed a Memorandum of Agreement for three proposed Rainwater Impounding Facilities (RIFs) intended to reduce flooding in parts of the city.
The facilities are planned for Rajah Sulayman Park, Remedios Circle, and ASEAN Garden within the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex. The projects have a target completion date of June 30, 2027.
The agreement formalizes cooperation on flood management, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to complete flood management projects ahead of the next rainy season.
Temporary Storage for Excess Stormwater
The proposed facilities are designed to temporarily hold excess stormwater during heavy rainfall, ease pressure on existing drainage systems, and reduce flood risks in surrounding communities.
The sites were identified following technical studies by Haskoning, which assessed their feasibility for rainwater impounding facilities, particularly in areas affected by recurring flooding.
“Our goal is to collaborate with the City of Manila to help relieve flooding in certain areas of Manila,” MMDA’s Romando Artes said.
Artes also thanked Mayor Isko Moreno and the city government for their support and cooperation in implementing flood management measures.
What Is Planned for Each Site?
Each proposed facility will have a different role based on its location and the drainage needs of the surrounding area.
| Proposed site | Planned function |
|---|---|
| Rajah Sulayman Park | Temporary underground or subsurface storage for excess stormwater |
| Remedios Circle | Rainwater storage combined with drainage improvements and nature-based solutions |
| ASEAN Garden, CCP Complex | Capture floodwaters from the Vito Cruz catchment through the drainage main along P. Ocampo Street |
The ASEAN Garden facility is planned near the Vito Cruz Drainage Main Outfall. Its proposed connection to the drainage main would allow it to capture floodwaters coming from the Vito Cruz catchment.
Possible Wastewater Treatment Integration
The ASEAN Garden RIF may also be integrated with a wastewater or sewage treatment facility.
This option has been studied as a potential measure to help alleviate flooding along Roxas Boulevard and Taft Avenue, while supporting efforts to improve water quality in Manila Bay.
The treatment component remains a proposed option rather than a confirmed feature of the project.
Manila Welcomes the Flood Management Partnership
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso expressed appreciation for the MMDA’s proposed interventions.
“We are wholeheartedly grateful to the MMDA for the help and the solutions they are providing to address the flooding problem in parts of Manila,” Domagoso said.
With the agreement signed, the partnership establishes a framework for developing the three facilities. Their target completion date is June 30, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are rainwater impounding facilities?
In these projects, they are facilities designed to temporarily store excess stormwater during heavy rainfall and ease pressure on drainage systems.
Where will the three proposed facilities be located?
At Rajah Sulayman Park, Remedios Circle, and ASEAN Garden within the CCP Complex.
When are the projects expected to be completed?
Their target completion date is June 30, 2027.
How were the proposed sites selected?
Technical studies by Haskoning assessed their feasibility, particularly in areas experiencing recurring flooding.
Will the ASEAN Garden facility include sewage treatment?
It may be integrated with a wastewater or sewage treatment facility. The announcement describes this as a potential option that has been studied.
Gabriel
Introvert, wanderer, blogger, foodie, a hip-hop music writer, and one of the co-founders of a tech start-up company called GigsManila.
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