THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have expressed willingness to hold further discussions on campus flood mitigation projects, the secretary general said.
UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P., said the University would continue coordinating with the concerned government agencies while prioritizing the safety, welfare and interests of the Thomasian community.
“Both parties have expressed openness to continuing consultations and technical discussions as necessary. Any subsequent visits or meetings would likely focus on clarifying technical considerations, reviewing available information, and exploring appropriate measures to address flooding in the area,” Coronel told The Flame.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon visited UST on Oct. 6 to assess campus flooding and inspect its existing drainage and stormwater management facilities. The agency provided suggestions for improving existing drainage inlets and adding additional drainage connections along España Boulevard, according to Coronel. Among the proposals was to establish a temporary stormwater detention facility to manage excess rainwater during heavy rainfall, he added.
The secretary general described the discussion as “preliminary and exploratory,” saying both parties discussed possible short and long-term flood mitigation measures along with campus safety, existing facilities and maintenance of uninterrupted delivery of academic services.
“These long-term proposals remain subject to further technical studies, feasibility assessments, and consultations with concerned stakeholders,” Coronel said.
While no definite schedule was established for another visit or meeting, future meetings could address the technical aspects of potential flood mitigation measures, he added.
Flood mitigation at the University has been the subject of lengthy discussions since it was first proposed in 2015 under the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority proposed a 72,000-cubic-meter catch basin in UST’s open field last year. However, the project was rejected over concerns about preserving the field, which was declared a National Cultural Treasure.
In 2018, UST constructed its own stormwater drainage system and completed an upgrade in 2024, but admitted that these measures were not enough to prevent flooding.
In a list released by Malacañang in August, UST was not included among the potential sites for rainwater catchment structures. F
