| Work Detail |
The Philippine government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), has strengthened its collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) to enhance flood control and water resources management efforts in flood-prone areas across the country. A pivotal moment in this partnership occurred during the 5th Seminar on Disaster Management Operations, Urban Flood Control and Dam Development held on February 13, 2025, at the Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila. DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain together with MLIT Assistant Vice Minister Ishikawa Shin, Embassy of Japan Minister for Economic Affairs Nihei Daisuke, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Office Senior Representative Yanagiuchi Masanari spearheaded the seminar aimed to push forward integrated flood control solutions and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) through Japan’s cutting-edge technology and engineering expertise. Organized by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Flood Control Management Cluster (UPMO-FCMC) headed by Project Director Ramon A. Arriola III, the forum sought to to enhance cooperation among key national agencies, focusing on vulnerable areas like Metro Manila, and strengthening disaster management capabilities. Senior Undersecretary Sadain emphasized the importance of the seminar in fostering collaboration and enhancing technical knowledge and expertise fundamental to achieving resilient and sustainable disaster risk management operations especially in National Capital Region, including areas like Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, Parañaque, and Taguig. “Our longstanding partnership and collaboration with Japan remains instrumental and pivotal to the government’s efforts in strengthening our flood control and integrated water resources system management, which are key players in improving the urban planning in Metro Manila,” added Senior Undersecretary Sadain. Currently, DPWH, together with the Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA), is expediting the completion of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) Phase 1, which aims to improve drainage systems and solid waste management practices, benefiting approximately two (2)-million beneficiaries in priority flood-prone areas in Metro Manila in 2026. The forum also explored the status of Flood Risk Information in the Philippines, demonstrating the shared efforts of relevant agencies to develop comprehensive and informed disaster risk reduction planning despite prevalent challenges, primarily the worsening impact of climate change in the country. In response to the devastation caused by recent typhoons, including Typhoons Carina and Kristine, which severely affected parts of Luzon, the DPWH, in cooperation with JICA, is fast-tracking updates to the master plans for key river basins. These include the Pasig-Marikina River Basin and the Cagayan River Basin. Moderated by UPMO-FCMC Project Manager Jerry Fano, the forum featured key experts including Engineer Rosalita M. Barde from MMDA; Project Manager Michael T. Alpasan and Engineer Lydia C. Aguilar from UPMO-FCMC; Director Kondo Osamu of Japan’s Department of Water Resources & Disaster Prevention Research, Infrastructure Development Institute of Japan; Assistant Director Tsuda Morimasa of Japan Water Agency; Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PAGASA) Hydrologist Ailene R. Abelardo; and MLIT Director for International Coordination of River Engineering Maruyama Kazuki. The event was also attended by DPWH Regional Director Khadaffy Tanggol of Cordillera Administrative Region; Director Randy R. Del Rosario of Stakeholders Relations Service; UPMO FCMC Project Managers and staff; and representatives from relevant national government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), National Power Corporation (NPC), Climate Change Commission (CCC), Philippine Space Agency (PSA), and local government units of Caloocan, Makati, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Taguig, and Quezon City. |
