The Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) commenced a new rehabilitation dredging program in Metro Manila's Marikina River on Wednesday, February 17.
The dredging is being carried out mainly to control flooding in Marikina City and nearby municipalities. This will be done by widening the river to its original width, which will in turn improve its ability to bring excess rainwater away from populated areas during the typhoon season from June to September.
The DENR's partners on the project include the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and engineering units of the Philippine Army.