As part of its efforts to resolve the long-standing flooding issues affecting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and nearby Parañaque, private operator New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) has removed 139,158 metric tons of waste and silt from the airport’s waterways, a crucial step, especially before typhoon season.
The cleanup, which has covered around 3 kilometers of river channels — including portions of the Parañaque River near Barangay Tambo, Don Galo River, and Villanueva Creek near Barangay La Huerta — is part of a large-scale effort led by NNIC, with support from San Miguel Corporation (SMC)’s Better Rivers PH cleanup teams.
Since taking over operations at NAIA in September 2024, NNIC has made flood mitigation a key priority. It has been clearing waterways, upgrading drainage systems, and improving the flow of rainwater around the airport. The initiative is already showing results as water drains more quickly, with less buildup during heavy rains.
NNIC has also tackled clogged storm drains and open canals along key roads around the airport — such as Domestic Road, NAIA Road, Airport Road, and Andrews Avenue — to help keep floodwaters from backing up into the airport and nearby areas.
So far, 67 manholes have been cleared and restored, with 17 manhole covers newly replaced. There are also seven new manholes newly constructed to improve drain access. These efforts are fully funded by NNIC and SMC and carried out in coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the City Government of Parañaque.
To further boost flood protection, NNIC is preparing to install a modern drainage system, build flood barriers, and construct a stormwater pumping facility within the NAIA complex.
“Protecting NAIA from flooding is a long-term investment in safety and reliability,” said NNIC President Ramon S. Ang.
“We’re putting in the infrastructure needed to keep the airport flood-free, but we also need the public’s help. To everyone in the community, please don’t throw garbage into streets or waterways. It all ends up in rivers and canals, blocking water flow and making floods worse. We can only succeed if we all do our part,” he added.
