Jica turns over improved flood-control system to MMDA

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) will turn over to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) the management of the newly improved and restored flood-control project that can help mitigate the effects of strong typhoons in Metro Manila and nearby areas. 

The Effective Flood Control Operating System (Efcos) was turned over to the MMDA during a simple ceremony at the Rosario pumping station in Barangay Manggahan, Pasig City, after a 15-month rehabilitation.

MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said the Efcos project will greatly contribute to its flood-control and early-warning system, especially during the rainy season.

“The Efcos project will greatly complement our continuous efforts to minimize flooding in flood-prone areas in the Pasig-Marikina-Laguna Lake complex, thus, saving thousands of lives during (calamities),” Carlos said.

He added that Efcos will be beneficial not only to eastern Metro Manila residents, but also those in the province of Rizal, in the municipalities of San Mateo and Rodriguez, which also bore the brunt of the massive flooding in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) in Sept. 2009.

In October 2014, Jica and the MMDA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the improvement of the Efcos that involved the restoration of the telemetry system and replacement of its radio system—two of the most vital components of the project.

The telemetry system will be used for a more efficient flood-monitoring and early-warning mechanism, while the radio system will help in reporting advance rainfall data.

The Efcos project costs P32 million, with the Japanese government shouldering P16 million, while the Philippine government assuming the rest as its counterpart fund.

Under the MOU, Jica provided the funding of the restoration of the telemetry equipment, which amounted to P74.7 million.

Meanwhile, MMDA personnel have started the annual Estero Blitz program, the agency’s waterways cleanup drive in Metro Manila, in preparation for the coming typhoon season as early as February this year.