The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) unveiled the master plan for flood management in Metro Manila on Thursday's Flood Summit at the House of Representatives. The flood management plan covers Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, and parts of Bulacan, and serves to benefit around 17 million people. Modern pumping systems are also scheduled to be installed in several cities in Metro Manila to reduce flooding during the rainy season. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said some of the current pumping stations are already more than 40 years old and are no longer capable of draining water effectively. Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is seeking to clear informal settlers from the banks of 8 priority river areas to make waterways more flood-resilient. ANC News Now, May 8, 2014