The Task Force Build Back Better (TF-BBB) will begin its dredging activities for Phase 2 of the Marikina River Restoration Project in Barangay Santolan, Pasig City on Wednesday, 21 July 2021.

A short ceremony to be officiated by DENR Secretary and TF-BBB Chairperson Roy A. Cimatu and Pasig City Mayor Victor “Vico” Sotto will mark the start of Phase 2 of the project.

The Marikina River Restoration project was launched by TF-BBB following the devastation and flooding caused by typhoons Rolly (international name: Goni) and Ulysses (international name: Vamco) in Metro Manila last year.  

Experts have pointed out that one reason behind the flooding—which partially or fully submerged more than 40,000 homes in Marikina City alone—is the reduced capacity of the Marikina River to receive and drain excess rainwater. This prompted Sec. Cimatu to order Regional Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan of DENR National Capital Region to conduct aerial and ground survey of the waterway and to determine encroachments by comparing the survey results with official land records.

Last February, the TF-BBB launched the Marikina River Restoration project at Barangay Industrial Valley Complex in Marikina City together with Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro. Phase 1 of the project involved the removal of identified encroachments, dredging, and widening of Marikina River along Barangays Barangka, Calumpang, and Industrial Valley Complex.     

Sec. Cimatu promised Mayor Marcy to complete Phase 1 of the project within seven months or less. The project, however, was completed two months ahead of the deadline.

Phase 1 covered a total area of 6,936 square meters and dredged material amounting to 41,625 cubic meters.

Sec. Cimatu is set to hand over the completed project to Mayor Marcy in a short ceremony preceding the launch of Phase 2 at Olandes area, Barangay IVC in Marikina City.

Phase 2 of the project, on the other hand, will consist of the removal of identified encroachments on the stretch of Marikina River covering parts of Barangay Santolan and Barangay Ugong in Pasig City.

Aside from the dredging operations to be conducted by the Department of Public Work and Highways (DPWH), DENR, through its regional office in the National Capital Region, will help in the restoration of the riparian ecosystem through bamboo tree planting and other activities.

RED Caancan pointed out that ecosystems restoration is just as important as the dredging operation and will complement efforts to increase the flood carrying capacity of the Marikina River.

“When we can successfully replant easements with appropriate plant species, we will not only help stabilize the riverbanks but regulate water flow in Marikina River”, she explained.

In line with this, RED Caancan ordered the Conservation and Development Division (CDD) and Field Offices to strengthen its coordination with the local government in the identification and development of planting areas. Just the same, she ordered the team in charge of the identification and demarcation of legal easements to assist and ensure that identified planting areas will not be affected by future infrastructure projects or developments.

“We need verified information in demarcating legal easements so we are mobilizing our survey team”, RED Caancan explained. “The work of TF BBB in Metro Manila is far more complex in Metro Manila as parts of Marikina River are either occupied by illegal structures or have claimants”, she added.

The TF-BBB was created through Executive Order No. 120, S. 2020 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte in November of last year. The task force aims to strengthen the rehabilitation and recovery efforts in typhoon-hit areas and is chaired by the DENR Secretary and co-chaired by the DPWH Secretary. ### 

(REGIONAL PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE - DENR National Capital Region)

Header Photo Courtesy of PTV (via Clay Cleizl Pardilla)