Flooding in Cainta, Rizal could be reduced by roughly 45 percent following the completion of a planned drainage interceptor along Marcos Highway scheduled to begin construction this year, Mayor Keith Nieto announced on Thursday, August 13.
Nieto shared that he previously pitched the concept to an unnamed senator, proposing a major conduit along Marcos Highway to divert run-off directly into the Marikina River.
The project aims to prevent local residential subdivisions from acting as catch basins for floodwaters overflowing from Marcos Highway, Sumulong Highway, and nearby territories into the narrow Balanti and Halang creeks.
Months after presenting his proposal, Nieto was informed that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) would assist with the initiative. In August, the mayor met with MMDA Chairman Don Artes, who reaffirmed the agency’s full commitment to back the project after Nieto noted that local anti-flooding measures—including strategic booster pump installations—were already operational.
Explaining the drainage interceptor’s mechanism, Nieto said:
”Instead na dumaan ang tubig sa makikitid na creek sa loob ng subdivision, ididiretso na ito sa drainage interceptor na nasa mismong highway papunta sa Marikina River.”
Reports submitted to the local government indicate the project has cleared the bidding phase, with Phases 1 and 2 expected to be built over two years under MMDA supervision.
While awaiting construction, Nieto noted that simultaneous operation of five municipal booster pumps—which move water toward outfalls at 1.5 to 2 cubic meters per second—has successfully mitigated local flooding, likening their synchronized action to airport walkalators.
”Ito ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon na ginamit natin nang sabay-sabay ang limang pumps. Nagsasaluhan ito na parang serye ng train station para mabilis na maibuga ang tubig at hindi mag-stagnant,” the mayor added.