Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas

MANILA — Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas is appealing to the Department of Public Works and Highways to coordinate with the local government whenever implementing flood control projects.

Vargas made the statement after the city was submerged in floodwater last Saturday due to heavy rainfall.

“But this should also remind the national government, through the DPWH, that it needs to coordinate if not align its flood control projects, including the declogging of drainages on national roads, with the local government,” stated Vargas.

According to Vargas, the flooding could have subsided more easily and would not have reached chest-deep levels in some areas if the declogging of Quezon City’s existing drainage system had been consistent and properly maintained.

“As Mayor Joy Belmonte said, the local government cannot fund the total cost of the Drainage Masterplan, especially since it covers national roads under the care of the DPWH,” Vargas stated.

Vargas promised to file proposals to adopt the QC Drainage Masterplan as the primary source of designs and implementation for flood control projects in the city.

Quezon City

Quezon City was established in 1939 and served as the capital of the Philippines from 1948 to 1976, replacing Manila. It is now the country’s most populous city and a major center for government, education, and commerce, home to landmarks like the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Department of Public Works and Highways

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of national infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and flood control systems. It was formally established in 1899 and has since been instrumental in developing the country’s public works, evolving from its American colonial-era origins to become a key agency for national development.

Drainage Masterplan

The Drainage Masterplan is not a specific place or cultural site, but rather a strategic infrastructure document. It is a long-term planning tool used by municipalities to manage stormwater, prevent flooding, and improve water quality. Its “history” is typically the timeline of its development and implementation to address a region’s specific water management challenges.

QC Drainage Masterplan

The QC Drainage Masterplan is a major infrastructure and flood management strategy for Quezon City in the Philippines. It was developed to address severe and frequent flooding by modernizing the city’s drainage systems, improving water quality, and increasing climate resilience. The plan represents a significant public works initiative to protect the growing metropolitan area and its residents from environmental challenges.