The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines—After years of crippling floods that stranded commuters and paralyzed traffic, the outer northbound lane of Taft Avenue in Manila has reopened following the completion of a major drainage expansion project designed to ease chronic flooding along one of Manila's busiest roads. The newly improved section was opened by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to finish critical flood mitigation works before the onset of the rainy season. For years, Taft Avenue has been notorious for knee-deep floods that stranded commuters, delayed classes, and disrupted businesses whenever heavy rains hit the capital. Dizon said the upgraded drainage system was designed to accelerate water runoff and prevent floodwaters from accumulating along low-lying sections of Ermita and nearby districts. The reopening of the lane also restored smoother traffic movement along Taft Avenue, a major route used daily by thousands of public utility vehicles, private motorists, and students from several universities in Manila. Dizon said the project forms part of the administration’s broader flood control strategy under the intensified implementation of “Oplan Kontra Baha” or OKB.
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