MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1.59 billion for the rehabilitation of water pumping stations to prevent perennial flooding in Metro Manila.

"The administration is taking concrete steps in reducing the flooding risk in Metro Manila and nearby provinces through the rehabilitation of our aging pumping stations. The recently approved funds will allow us to enhance the capacity of our pumping facilities and upgrade them as needed, well before the rainy season," Budget Secretary Secretary Florencio B. Abad said. 

The funds were released to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). It will go to the repair and upgrade of 12 water pumping stations, which have been operating for an average of 34 years. This includes upgrade of pumps, engines, generators, floodgates, auxiliaries and other electrical components. 

"Inefficient pumping stations only undermine our flood-control efforts, so that even light or moderate rain showers can cause flooding in greater parts of Metro Manila. By now, we're all too familiar with the consequences of inadequate flood control systems, including traffic jams, health hazards, and damaged property. This year, we are seriously investing in infrastructure upgrades for our flood-control strategy, as well as encouraging implementing agencies to execute their anti-flooding interventions as early as the summer season," Abad said.

The 12 pumping stations were identified by the MMDA as:

-Libertad Pumping Station 

-Quiapo Pumping Station 

-Tripa De Galina Pumping Station 

-Pandacan Pumping Station 

-Valencia Pumping Station 

-Binondo Pumping Station 

-Aviles Pumping Station 

-Paco Pumping Station 

-Makati Pumping Station 

-Sta. Clara Pumping Station 

-Balete Pumping Station 

-Arroceros Pumping Station 

The DBM has also allocated P1.07 billion for other high-impact flood control interventions, such as the procurement of additional flood control equipment, upgrading of earth dikes, widening and deepening of rivers and the construction of additional pumping stations.