DA and LLDA Revive P90-Billion Parañaque Spillway Project to Boost Flood Control and Fisheries

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) have announced plans to revive the Parañaque Spillway project, a P90-billion infrastructure initiative aimed at transforming Laguna de Bay into a productive fisheries hub and a reliable freshwater source for Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. The project, originally proposed in the 1970s, involves constructing a 10.5-kilometer underground spillway at least 50 meters below ground, linking Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay. Completion is expected to take at least ten years.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. emphasized that the spillway will help alleviate flooding in lakeshore communities across Laguna, Rizal, and Metro Manila. He also highlighted its potential to restore the ecological health of Laguna de Bay, which he described as one of Metro Manila’s key food baskets and an affordable source of bangus (milkfish).

Secretary Laurel explained that improving water circulation and flood management through the spillway could increase fish production, raise incomes for fisherfolk, and enhance raw water quality. These improvements may eventually reduce water treatment costs for consumers, benefiting millions of Filipinos.

Despite its potential benefits, the project faces political and social challenges. The DA acknowledged concerns about community displacement in the cities of Muntinlupa and Bacoor, as well as fears that the spillway could shift flood risks from one area to another. Addressing these issues will be critical to gaining public support.

LLDA General Manager Leopoldo V. Parumog underscored the project’s growing importance in light of the Manggahan Control Gate Structure, a Japanese-funded initiative designed to protect Metro Manila from flooding by diverting over 2,400 cubic meters of floodwater per second from the Marikina River into Laguna de Bay. This diversion could raise water levels in Laguna de Bay, increasing flood risks for lakeshore communities, thereby making the Parañaque Spillway a vital complementary measure.

To build consensus and address community concerns, the DA and LLDA plan to collaborate closely with the Departments of Public Works and Highways and Environment and Natural Resources, as well as local government units and private stakeholders. Secretary Laurel stressed that the project should not be viewed merely as a flood control measure but as a strategic investment in food security, climate resilience, and sustainable water management.

The DA also noted that Maynilad Water Services, Inc., a major water concessionaire, is already utilizing Laguna de Bay as a raw water source for its customers in Metro Manila and Cavite, including Muntinlupa and Bacoor. This underscores the lake’s significance as a freshwater resource and the importance of maintaining its ecological health through projects like the Parañaque Spillway.

Overall, the revival of the Parañaque Spillway project represents a multifaceted approach to addressing Metro Manila’s flood challenges while enhancing fisheries productivity and water sustainability. The DA and LLDA’s coordinated efforts aim to ensure that the project benefits millions of residents while mitigating social and environmental risks associated with its implementation.