Davao city: The rehabilitation of revetment walls along the Davao River is "almost complete," the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced. The ongoing work focuses on two sections of the riverbank in Barangay Mandug, Davao City, as reported by DPWH Regional Office 11 Director Juby Cordon.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cordon informed DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan that the reinforcement projects in the DDF Village and Bayanihan Street sections are now 94 percent and 87 percent complete, respectively. With a total budget of PHP241.25 million allocated under the 2024 Regular Infrastructure Program, these projects aim for completion by the last quarter of 2025.

The major rehabilitation efforts involve the installation of structural sheet piles, concrete capping, and embankment works to enhance the riverbank's defenses. Additional construction includes concrete slope protection, retaining, and parapet walls to combat scouring and water overflow.

These initiatives form part of the Marcos administration's "Build Better More" (BBM) program, which seeks to deliver strategic, long-term solutions to strengthen river walls, thereby protecting communities while preserving ecosystems and vital water resources.

In December of the previous year, a flood control project along the waterway in Calinan District, also in Davao City, was completed at a cost of PHP86.84 million, funded under the General Appropriations Act of 2024. The DPWH noted that this project further bolstered the flood control defenses of the Davao River, one of the 18 major river basins in the country, which extends approximately 160 km from the mountainous regions of Bukidnon.

Davao River remains crucial for agriculture, livelihood, and economic development in Davao City and its surrounding areas.