Latest news with #MRT-7
GMA Network
23-07-2025
- Climate
- GMA Network
Over 600 tons of trash recovered from pumping stations, flooded areas —MMDA
More than 600 tons of trash have been recovered from pumping stations and flooded areas amid the impact of Tropical Cyclone Crising and Southwest Monsoon or Habagat in Metro Manila. According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), a total of 526.8 tons of garbage were collected from pumping stations from Friday to Tuesday. Meanwhile, 76.92 tons of trash were accumulated from clearing operations in flooded areas from Monday to Tuesday. Photo from MMDA The MMDA on Wednesday inspected the Tripa de Gallina pumping station in Pasay City, which is the largest pumping station in Metro Manila. Heavy loads of garbage were retrieved from the pumping station including old furniture, broken refrigerators, wheels, trunks of fallen trees, among others, according to the MMDA. "When plastics are sucked into the pump, they get coiled in the engine, resulting in overheating. The efficiency of our pumping stations are really affected and could result in damaged equipment," MMDA chief Romando Artes said. "Our drainage system is antiquated, with more than 50 years of service. To address these issues, we need a drainage master plan for Metro Manila that involves upgrading and expanding the existing drainage network, constructing new pumping stations, among others,' he added. Photo from MMDA According to Artes, all 71 pumping stations in Metro Manila are working at full capacity. The MMDA is also conducting declogging and dredging operations of drainages and waterways in major thoroughfares in Metro Manila to mitigate flooding. Meanwhile, Artes also inspected the MRT7 project's Batasan Station on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City to address the possible causes of flooding in the area and propose a viable solution. "The size of the inlet was reduced to two feet by two feet from its original dimension of 3 meters by 3 meters. Our agency plans to widen the existing steel-grating drop inlet to intercept the floodwaters coming from IBP Road,' Artes said. Representatives from the city government and San Miguel Corporation's (SMC) MRT-7 management also joined the inspection to address the issue. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
23-07-2025
- General
- Filipino Times
DOTr presses MRT-7 contractors, skyway management over Flooding Concerns
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) called on the contractors of the MRT Line 7 project and the Skyway management to address construction-related issues allegedly contributing to flooding in Quezon City. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said he had met with the contractors of the MRT-7 project and directed them to clear any obstructions blocking drainage systems along Commonwealth Avenue. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earlier said the construction of the MRT-7 Batasan Station may have partially obstructed the flow of rainwater, worsening flooding in the area. According to the agency, a manhole was built directly above existing drainage pipe culverts, and a footing wall may also be impeding water flow. Dizon also raised concerns about the Skyway's downspouts, which were reportedly not connected to proper drainage. The transportation chief said he instructed both SMC and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to coordinate and fix the issue. The SMC denied that MRT-7 structures caused the flooding. The company said all project components in the area were constructed outside existing drainage lines and in compliance with approved plans. It added that while a portion of the drainage system was affected during earlier phases of construction, it was fully restored and certified by the DPWH in March 2025. SMC also said an inspection after the recent flooding revealed that the drainage outlet was heavily clogged with plastic waste and debris, which may have reduced its capacity to carry rainwater. The company noted that no documents have been presented so far to prove that MRT-7 structures obstructed drainage. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that six people have died due to the combined effects of Tropical Cyclone Crising, the southwest monsoon (Habagat), and a low-pressure area. Over 1.2 million people across the country, excluding Eastern Visayas, have been affected.
GMA Network
22-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
DOTr calls out MRT-7, Skyway over issues amid floods
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has called out the MRT Line 7 project contractors and the Skyway management over issues that allegedly contribute to the flooding in their concerned areas. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon told Dobol B TV on Tuesday that he and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have been discussing the flooding issue in recent weeks. 'Kahapon, kinausap ko lahat ng kontratista po ng MRT-7 at sinabihan ko sila na kailangan i-clear lahat ng humaharang sa mga drainage dyan po sa Commonwealth Avenue,' he said. (Yesterday, I spoke to all the MRT-7 contractors and told them that they need to clear everything that blocks the drainage along Commonwealth Avenue.) Dizon said the San Miguel Corporation has committed to addressing the concerns in the MRT-7 project. The MMDA earlier said the construction of the MRT-7 Batasan Station on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City could have partially obstructed the flow of rainwater, worsening the flood in the area. The agency said the MRT-7 project 'constructed a manhole directly above the existing drainage pipe culverts.' 'A constructed footing wall of the ongoing MRT-7 construction was also observed, which may have partially obstructed the flow of water,' it added. Meanwhile, addressing the Skyway's downspouts that are not directly connected to drainage, Dizon said he ordered San Miguel Corporation and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fix the issue. 'Yun naman po sa Skyway, kinausap ko rin po ang San Miguel pero ang sinabi po sa akin na na-turn over po sa DPWH,' Dizon said. (As for the Skyway, I also talked to San Miguel but they told me that it was turned over to the DPWH.) 'Sabi ko po mag-usap ang regional director ng NCR po ng DPWH at ang San Miguel para huwag muna pong magtuturuan at ayusin na lang po muna yung pagbabagsak ng tubig mula sa itaas,' he added. (I told the NCR regional director of the DPWH and San Miguel to talk, stop pointing fingers at each other and to fix the water falling from above.) Six people were reported to have died as a result of Tropical Cyclone Crising, Habagat, and the low pressure area (LPA), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Tuesday. A total of 1,266,322 persons or 362,465 families were affected by the bad weather in all regions in the country except for Eastern Visayas. Floods, landslides, collapsed structures, and tornadoes were reported in the affected areas. — RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
16-07-2025
- Climate
- GMA Network
MRT-7 Batasan construction partly blocked water flow, says MMDA amid flooding
Officials from the MMDA, DPWH, DOTr, the Quezon City government and SMC MRT-7 Corporation inspect the MRT-7 Batasan Station construction after reports of flooding. Photos: MMDA The construction of the MRT-7 Batasan Station on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City may have partially obstructed the flow of water, contributing to the floods in the area, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Wednesday. In a statement, the MMDA said the MRT-7 'constructed a manhole directly above the existing drainage pipe culverts.' 'A constructed footing wall of the ongoing MRT-7 construction was also observed, which may have partially obstructed the flow of water,' it added. Based on the assessment by the MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office, the MRT-7 contributed to the recent traffic congestion along Commonwealth Avenue due to heavy rains and flooding. 'It was also observed that access for regular maintenance of the drainage system is limited due to the presence of the MRT-7 project columns. Additionally, potholes and damaged drainage inlets were noted in the area,' the MMDA said. Representatives from the MMDA, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Quezon City government, and the SMC MRT-7 Corporation conducted an inspection in the area in light of the reported flooding. — BM, GMA Integrated News
The Star
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
New Manila International Airport positions Philippines for long-term growth
MANILA: A brighter chapter is set to open for Philippine aviation. With the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) now under development in Bulakan, Bulacan, the country is building on the momentum of aviation reforms and infrastructure upgrades—setting the stage for stronger economic growth, improved connectivity and a better travel experience for millions. Designed to be one of the most modern airports in the world, NMIA is expected to offer more efficient movement of passengers and cargo, complement the ongoing rehabilitation of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and support a new wave of regional development. The development of NMIA is led by San Miguel Aerocity Inc., through a 50-year concession agreement with the national government. The first phase is scheduled to begin construction in January 2026. This will include two runways, a modern terminal, and key facilities designed to serve up to 35 million passengers annually, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. NMIA is being built to work alongside NAIA, which is now undergoing a P170.6-billion (US$3.02 billion) upgrade to improve its capacity and passenger experience. Once the rehabilitation is done, NAIA will be able to handle up to 62 million passengers a year and manage 48 flights per hour. With both airports operating, the country will have a stronger, more reliable aviation system that can keep up with growing travel demand. With the new airport located only 18 km from SM North Edsa and 15 km from Balintawak, it's almost part of Metro Manila. Good transportation access is a big part of NMIA's design. New roads and terminals will connect the airport to Metro Manila and nearby provinces. A six-lane highway will link it to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), and a transport terminal will be built to serve provincial buses and other types of public transportation. There are also proposals to extend the MRT-7 line—currently under construction between Quezon City and San Jose del Monte in Bulacan—so that it could eventually connect to the NMIA site. If approved, this extension would make it easier for travelers from northern Metro Manila and nearby areas to reach the airport. For now, the plan remains under review and has not yet been finalised. NMIA is expected to do more than enhance air travel—it will also contribute to economic growth and the development of surrounding areas. The project is projected to generate over one million jobs and pave the way for an airport city with dedicated spaces for businesses, residential communities, and industrial facilities. This bigger plan highlights how the airport can help guide how land is used, bring in new investments and make the country more competitive in tourism and trade. As more roads and facilities are built, and travel becomes easier, businesses in different industries—such as logistics, hotels, real estate and manufacturing—are likely to look at Bulacan and nearby areas for new opportunities. For years, the country's aviation system has carried growing demand with very limited capacity. NAIA, which for decades has been the lone international gateway for Metro Manila, is now being upgraded to meet higher standards and improve service. The addition of NMIA—designed with modern facilities, future-ready technologies and world-class design—marks a turning point in how the Philippines is seen by the world. It's a major step toward restoring confidence, improving the traveler experience and presenting the Philippines as a premier destination in the region. Recognising how these major infrastructure changes influence property values, development prospects and long term investment strategies will be essential for those looking to take part in this rapidly evolving growth corridor. As the country builds toward a more connected future, the New Manila International Airport will play a central role in driving local progress and shaping the next wave of regional development. NMIA is not just a new dot on the map—it's the Philippines' runway for growth to take off. It will propel Bulacan into a prime growth area of Metro Manila, while ushering in business to nearby provinces. Large scale investors will be drawn in with its world-class connectivity, fuelling growth in years to come. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
