Japan-backed flood project along the Marikina River is halfway complete

Officials say the project helped keep the river from overflowing during weeks of heavy rain.

After weeks of heavy rain, officials say flood works along the Marikina River helped keep it from overflowing. But the Japan-backed project is still under construction, as weeks of heavy rainfall have repeatedly put communities in the Pasig-Marikina river basin at risk. It was 53% complete as of August 2026, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project (PMRCIP) combines Japanese engineering expertise with local infrastructure efforts to increase the river’s capacity to manage excess water and reduce flooding in nearby communities.

The project includes flood mitigation structures, flood gates, pumping stations, and facilities designed to improve water flow through the Manggahan Floodway, which diverts excess water toward Laguna de Bay.

The collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) supports the project’s engineering and construction, as the Philippine government works to strengthen flood management infrastructure in the area. The current phase includes 7.95 kilometers of river improvements, with completion targeted for 2031.

The project is expected to reduce the area vulnerable to flooding in the Pasig-Marikina basin by about 63%. However, flood protection also depends on factors such as rainfall intensity, water levels in Laguna de Bay, drainage capacity, and land use.

The initiative underscores how international engineering cooperation can support local infrastructure and help communities better manage the risks posed by recurring floods.

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