Cavite Flood Control Project Cost Now Amounts To PHP22 Billion

As part of the government’s flood-mitigation initiatives, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has approved the extension of the construction period and other adjustments to the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project and the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project, Phase IV.

The project’s implementation period, originally from October 2019 to April 2024, has been extended by 65 months. I Photo: PTV News

“I think maybe the detailed engineering had to compensate for weather changes. And then the housing component wasn’t included in the original estimate,” President Marcos said during the NEDA board meeting in Malacañang, referring to the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project.

“The cost will be increased. At least the local component will be increased from the original. That’s the only thing that stands out in the financial analysis. But it’s still within the guidelines,” he added.

With the board’s approval, the total project cost increased by 122.79% (PHP12.146 billion) from PHP9.891 billion to PHP22.038 billion.

The project’s implementation period, originally from October 2019 to April 2024, has been extended by 65 months, moving the target completion to September 2029. The board also approved changes in the scope of work, such as widening diversion channels and adding drainage channels.

A reallocation of JPY 1.042 billion from consulting services (JPY 384 million) and contingencies was also approved.

As of September 30, 2024, the project has achieved 44.21% physical completion, with a 55.79% delay, and a fund utilization rate of 35.42%, equivalent to PHP3.504 billion already disbursed.

The project aims to reduce flood risk in the lower reach of the San Juan River Basin and the adjacent Maalimango Creek Drainage Area in Cavite.

For the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project, Phase IV, the board approved a 74.32% increase (PHP24.599 billion) in total project cost, raising it from PHP33.098 billion to PHP57.697 billion.

The implementation period was extended by 63 months, with completion now targeted for March 2031. Additional scope changes include the design of the Middle Marikina River, drainage facility modifications, and further construction work.

A reallocation of JPY3.373 billion from consulting services (JPY1.728 billion) and contingencies (JPY1.645 billion) to civil works was also approved, along with a supplemental loan of JPY45.759 billion.

The Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project aims to reduce flood risk in Metro Manila due to overflow from the Pasig-Marikina River. The project will benefit residents of Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, Taytay, and Cainta.

“My concern is with the design. Does it take into account the new weather patterns? Marikina is now a high-risk area,” the President said, noting that recent typhoons brought water levels within half a meter of spillover limits.

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan assured the President that the design had helped prevent spillover during recent typhoons.

“We’re also looking at the construction of three dams in the watershed as part of the Pasig-Marikina River project,” said Secretary Bonoan.

The NEDA board also approved the implementation of the locally financed Philippine International Exhibition Center Project and the acquisition of 40 fast patrol crafts, to be funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA).