Photo credit: DPWH

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon is taking the lead in fast-tracking efforts to ease chronic flooding in Quezon City, starting with the removal of structures blocking the floodgates at the Matalahib Creek Pumping Station.

The cleanup covers areas in Barangays Talayan and Sto. Domingo, where obstructions have long worsened flooding, especially during heavy rains. Residents in these communities have faced the same problem year after year, with floodwaters rising quickly and taking time to subside.

During an on-site inspection, Dizon said the goal is to bring immediate relief while working toward long-term solutions. He noted that with the ongoing interventions, flooding could be reduced and water could drain faster. Authorities are aiming to complete the works by the end of May.

Also present during the inspection were Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Mahar Lagmay, executive director of Project NOAH, who both underscored the importance of science-based approaches in addressing urban flooding.

The plan goes beyond clearing the floodgates. It includes dredging operations along the San Juan River, building retention ponds to catch excess rainwater, and deploying mobile pumps to improve water flow.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures in the area, reinforcing the urgency of the project.

Officials are hopeful that these combined efforts will finally ease the burden on residents—reducing flood levels and ensuring that water recedes more quickly after heavy rains.