121-B flood control projects to be financed by Japan gov’t

The Japanese government has committed to finance key flood control projects in the country worth more than 121 billion through loans and grants, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said.

Villar pitched three flood control projects during a meeting with Japanese officials held in Tokyo, where

they discussed infrastructure development and economic cooperation. In the third Philippines-Japan joint committee meeting, Villar highlighted the strategic partnership of the Philippine and Japanese governments in the implementation of the flood control projects.

Among these are the Parañaque Spillway (Tunnel) Project, the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Management Project, and the Davao River Basin Flood Control Project.

With assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the DPWH is currently conducting a feasibility study for the Parañaque Spillway Tunnel Project.

He said the 9.2-km spillway is expected to “shorten flood inundation in the shoreline of Laguna de Bay and reduce flood damages in the area.”

The 110-billion project, which includes a 3.3-kilometer tunnel, is scheduled for implementation sometime next year.

Villar also presented the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Management Project, which aims to protect 7,000 houses along Cavite Industrial Area, covering Imus, San Juan, and Canas River Basins.

“Our JICA loan for the financial assistance of the Cavity Industrial Area Flood Management Project is targeted to be approved by November 2017,” Villar noted.

Villar also presented the Davao River Basin Flood Control Project, a 12.23billion project encompassing Davao, Talomo, and Matina Rivers.

“[The] masterplan and feasibility study for the Davao River Basin Flood Control Project is expected to start first quarter of 2018,” he said.

Villar was in Tokyo with other government officials for the third PhilippinesJapan high-level meeting of the Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III headed the Philippine delegation to Japan.

“We thank the Japanese government for being a great partner in our economic development by constantly providing us with development assistance, financing, and innovative technology,” Villar said.