The City Government of Valenzuela recognizes that flooding prevails as a challenge for most cities in Metro Manila, especially during the rainy season. Additionally, the City Government not only addresses the flooding situation but also the lack of secure pathways for pedestrians and cyclists along Barangay Dalandanan. In this light, Valenzuela City has sought a long-term solution to prevent major thoroughfares from flooding while providing safer walkways for residents — by establishing a pedestrian-friendly lane with a floodwater catchment basin beneath.
Dubbed as “PANATAG Active Transport Park and Flood Catchment Facility”, this two-in-one infrastructure funded by the Department of Transportation is a 1.3-kilometer-long pedestrian and bike lane with a 230-meter floodwater catchment basin underneath. In support of the Active Transport program, this facility paves the way for additional modes of transportation known as “active transportation” by constructing protected and dedicated lanes for walking and cycling. The Pamilyang Valenzuelano can benefit from comfortable and secure pathways where they can walk and ride their bikes safely away from major roads. Additionally, it will also house a modernized jeepney stop for easier transportation for commuters. Ultimately, the PANATAG Active Transport Park promotes wellness and a healthy lifestyle among Valenzuelanos through physical activity and reduces carbon emissions from their daily commute.
Below the PANATAG Active Transport Park, a flood catchment facility will be built. The catchment basin has a 5.6 meters x 3 meters depth with the capacity of storing 3,000 cubic meters of flood water. The first phase of the catchment basin will be structured near the major roadway, MacArthur Highway, which connects Metro Manila to Central Luzon. The strategic position of the floodwater catchment facility aims to prevent flooding on a crucial thoroughfare such as MacArthur Highway, and maintain a free-flowing traffic for motorists and business operators even in the midst of heavy rains.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor WES Gatchalian was joined by the representative of the DOTR Secretary, Usec. Mark Steven Pastor, PNR Chairman, Richard Peralta, PNR Assistant General Manager, Atty. Celeste Lauta, Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay from UPRI, Vice Mayor Marlon Alejandrino, and Councilors Goyong Serrano, Mario San Andres, and Kisha Ancheta.
In his message, Mayor WES expressed the LGU’s strategies of making the most out of available lands to become efficient, beneficial, and sustainable structures, such as an active transport park and a flood catchment facility. Usec. Mark Steven Pastor of DOTr commended the City of Valenzuela for developing an innovative and novel infrastructure project, such as the PANATAG Active Transport Park and Flood Catchment Facility, that supports not only pedestrians and cyclists but also addresses the effects of climate change. He termed the project as the “first in the country” that serves a dual and “value-for-money” purpose, and he expressed DOTr’s extensive support of implementing such a facility in other parts of the country as well.
True to its name, the PANATAG Active Transport Park and Flood Catchment Facility project bears an assurance that the Pamilyang Valenzuelano can thrive in safer and resilient pathways established in a future-ready City of Valenzuela.
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