Marcos: QC flood control pumping station may start by year-end

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said construction of a pumping station for a flood mitigation project along G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City may begin by the end of this year or early next year.

Marcos made the statement after inspecting the G. Araneta drainage improvement project along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, which aims to address recurring flooding in the area.

Accompanied by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, the President said ongoing pipe-laying activities are expected to be completed next week.

He added that construction of the pumping station could start by year-end at the earliest.

“Dito eh historically, pagka masyadong malakas ang ulan, o kahit na may ulan, basta may ulan lang, baha agad dito eh. Kaya kailangan natin itong pumping station,” Marcos said.

(Historically, when rainfall becomes too heavy here — or even when it rains a little — flooding occurs immediately. That’s why we need this pumping station.)

“Sa susunod siguro ay itong pumping station. Temporary lang ito. Sa susunod eh gagawin natin permanent sa malapit-lapit sa San Juan River,” he added.

(Next will probably be the pumping station. This is only temporary. Eventually, we will build a permanent one closer to the San Juan River.)

The G. Araneta drainage improvement project spans 758 meters from Kaliraya Street to E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue and involves the installation of two 1.5-meter-diameter high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes beneath the roadway.

The new system supplements the existing 0.91-meter-diameter drainage line beneath the sidewalk.

Funded with nearly P500 million under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, the project began in March 2025.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the project was 96.75% complete as of May 18, with full completion targeted within the month.

During the inspection, Marcos observed pipe-laying activities that will channel rainwater from G. Araneta Avenue toward the San Juan River.

The project includes the installation of large HDPE pipes, upgraded water inlets, and improved outfall structures aimed at increasing drainage capacity and ensuring faster water flow during heavy rainfall.

“Sa kabuuan, ang ginawa po natin ay hindi para sa Metro Manila lamang. Siyempre ‘yan ang inuuna natin dahil masyadong highly populated at maraming naapektuhan pagka may baha, kaya ito ‘yung inuuna natin,” Marcos said.

(Overall, what we are doing is not only for Metro Manila. Of course, this is our priority because it is highly populated and many people are affected whenever flooding occurs.)

“So, these are the strategies that we are employing and it will take a little time, but we put in a good start,” he added.—MCG, GMA News