The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is optimistic that the construction of retarding basins will make flood hazard area in Cavite more resilient during rainy season and swift changes of global weather. 

DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar expressed confidence that the Flood Risk Management Project for Imus River is the most viable solution to mitigate damage on areas vulnerable to flooding in Imus and Bacoor, Cavite. 

We have high hopes that this project will reduced flood risk to local homes and businesses, said Secretary Villar. 

According to DPWH Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations Emil K. Sadain, the construction of two (2) reservoir projects namely Imus and Bacoor Retarding Basins located in Brgy. Anabu and Brgy. Buhay na Tubig, Imus City, Cavite will reduce the flood peak discharges to low-lying part of Imus and Bacoor Rivers by temporarily managing flood run-off or stormwater in the off-site retarding basins. 

The construction of Imus Retarding Basin has a detention pond area of about 35 hectares while Bacoor Retarding Basin has two (2) temporary storage pond or basin connected by sluiceway for a total area of 9 hectares to contain floodwaters during a storm event and reduce the peak volume of flood flow at Imus River and Bacoor River, added Underscretary Sadain. 

Retarding basins are being constructed to temporarily store most, if not all, of the rainwater run-off during very high rainfall, to absorb and contain flooding in periods of high rain and later release at regulated flow rate. 

The project is based on a flood management master plan for Imus River prepared by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The ongoing structural measure is also being funded by JICA under its Official Development Assistance (ODA) facility and implemented by DPWH-UPMO Flood Control Management Cluster (FCMC) headed by Project Director Ramon A. Ariola III. 

Undersecretary Sadain together with UPMO FCMC Project Managers Aurelio C. Mendoza and Rogelio O. Ang checked on Friday, August 27, 2021 the progress of work for the putting up of pre-cast concrete blocks revetment wall at surrounding dike, overflow dike, drainage sluice, maintenance road, slope protection, and other project components. 

To date, the P2.2 Billion project has a physical accomplishment of about 85 percent, and is slated to be completed by this fourth quarter of 2021.