DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon personally visited the flood-prone area and turned over the brand-new MFMP units to Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos and Las Piñas Mayor April Aguilar.
THREE powerful Mobile Flood Mitigating Pumps (MFMPs) were stationed yesterday by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at Zapote Junction to help reduce severe flooding that frequently disrupts motorists, commuters, businesses and nearby communities during heavy rains.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon personally visited the flood-prone area and turned over the brand-new MFMP units to Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos and Las Piñas Mayor April Aguilar.
The three diesel-operated, 7.5-horsepower MFMP units are expected to provide an additional line of defense against flooding at Zapote Junction, particularly during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall.
The mobile pumps will provide additional pumping capacity to help remove floodwaters more quickly when water levels rise in and around the busy junction.
Santos and Aguilar welcomed thedeployment, describing it as an immediate and practical intervention to help protect residents and ease the impact of flooding in one of the city’s most flood-prone areas.
“The deployment of these three powerful mobile flood mitigating pumps is a welcome development for the people of Las Piñas. Zapote Junction is a vital transportation area, and when flooding becomes severe, it affects not only motorists and commuters but also businesses and families in surrounding communities,” Santos said.
He stressed the importance of having the pumps strategically positioned and ready for immediate operation whenever heavy rainfall threatens the area.
“This is about providing a faster response when the rains come. We need to make sure that floodwaters are removed as quickly as possible so that our roads remain passable and our people can move safely,” Santos added.
Santos emphasized, however, that mobile pumping units should complement, rather than replace, long-term flood-control and drainage improvements in Las Piñas.
“These pumps can provide immediate relief, but we must continue pursuing permanent solutions. We need better drainage systems, improved waterways, regular clearing and maintenance, and well-planned flood-control projects to address the root causes of flooding,” he said.
The deployment is part of the DPWH’s efforts to strengthen flood-mitigation measures in areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall and flooding.
Santos thanked Secretary Dizon, the DPWH and its personnel for responding to the flooding concerns in Zapote Junction and called for continued coordination between national government agencies and the local government.
“We appreciate the DPWH for taking action. We will continue working with our local government and national agencies to ensure that the people of Las Piñas receive the protection and public infrastructure they deserve,” Santos said.
The three MFMP units are expected to provide immediate flood-mitigation support at Zapote Junction, particularly during heavy and prolonged rainfall, while longer-term measures to improve drainage and flood-control infrastructure continue to be pursued.
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