President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday inspected the ongoing G. Araneta Drainage Improvement Project in Quezon City, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to climate resilience and urban safety under the intensified “Oplan Kontra Baha” program.
The ₱500-million project, funded under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act, is currently 96.75% complete as of May 18. Full completion is strictly targeted within the month, successfully meeting the President’s directive to finalize structural interventions before the onset of the June rainy season.
During the site visit, President Marcos emphasized the critical need for continuous cleaning, dredging, and drainage rehabilitation to safeguard historically vulnerable areas.
“Dito historically pagka masyadong malakas ang ulan o kahit basta umulan lang baha agad dito… Pagka malakas ang ulan, lumalagpas sa tao ang tubig,” (Historically, when it rains hard—or even just rains normally—this area floods immediately. During heavy downpours, the water level can rise higher than a person), President Marcos noted, highlighting the urgency of the intervention.
The Chief Executive underscored that while the G. Araneta area is a primary focus, it reflects a broader, systemic effort.
“These are the strategies we are employing… Isa lang ito. Napakarami na ang ginagawa natin around Metro Manila at sa buong Pilipinas — to find a way to flood control,” (This is just one of many projects. We are doing so much around Metro Manila and across the entire Philippines to find a solution to flood control), the President added.
The G. Araneta Drainage Improvement Project spans 758 meters from Kaliraya Street to E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue. Engineering highlights include:
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Upgraded Capacity: Infrastructure upgrades feature the installation of two massive 1.50-meter-diameter High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes beneath the roadway, drastically supplementing the existing 0.91-meter sidewalk drainage line.
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Rapid Discharge: Improved water inlets and outfall structures designed to channel rainwater rapidly from G. Araneta Avenue directly toward the San Juan River.
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Immediate Mitigations: Pipe-laying activities are on track for completion next week, supported by temporary pumping units currently expediting floodwater drainage.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, who accompanied the President, reported that the infrastructure is already yielding positive results.
“Noong huling ulan noong weekend, nakita natin na mayroon na tayong nakikitang alleviation, mayroon na tayong nakikitang improvement,” Secretary Dizon stated. “Pero hindi pa tayo makuntento doon. Kailangan tuloy-tuloy at matapos natin ito bago mag-June.” (During the last rain over the weekend, we already saw some alleviation and improvement. But we cannot be complacent. This must be continuous, and we must finish this before June.)
To ensure long-term flood resilience, President Marcos announced that construction for a permanent pumping station in the area is targeted to begin late this year or early next year.
Launched in November 2025, the “Oplan Kontra Baha” initiative represents a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction, combining aggressive waterway clearing, nationwide drainage rehabilitation, and modernized pumping station upgrades.
Before concluding his inspection, President Marcos engaged with local residents, personally assuring them that the government remains relentlessly focused on protecting their homes, livelihoods, and safety from the threats of severe weather.
