Construction work on the long-delayed flood mitigation project at the University of the Philippines–Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) in Manila has experienced a dramatic acceleration. Following direct orders from the national government to prioritize critical public infrastructure, project completion surged from a stagnant two percent to nearly thirty percent in just three months. The rapid pace reflects an intensified drive to resolve the recurring flooding issues that have troubled the nation’s premier public hospital for years.
The scope of the project focuses on essential structural upgrades designed to withstand intense rainfall. Infrastructure teams are actively overhauling and repairing drainage facilities across the compound while enhancing water intake inlets to handle higher surface runoff. These interventions aim to prevent floodwaters from submerging access roads, lower-level wards, and service corridors throughout the sprawling medical facility.
Severe weather and seasonal typhoons have historically presented major operational challenges for UP-PGH. Rising waters impede the movement of healthcare workers, delay life-saving emergency admissions, and create hazardous conditions for vulnerable patients, including the elderly and persons with disabilities. By fortifying the hospital’s drainage network, the government aims to ensure uninterrupted medical services even during heavy downpours.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, alongside hospital administration, confirmed during site inspections that the internal drainage improvements are scheduled for completion early next year. This initial phase forms part of a wider urban flood control initiative across Metro Manila, where aging infrastructure is being systematically upgraded. Long-term plans also include integrating larger external flood control mechanisms and auxiliary support facilities to secure the hospital complex against future climate challenges.
with additional report: https://www.manilatimes.net/
