Lagusnilad underpass in Manila reopens

Reporters are interviewing Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna during the reopening of Lagusnilad on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. (Photo from the Manila Public Information Office]

MANILA, Philippines — Lagusnilad underpass in Manila re-opened on Tuesday, six months after it was closed in May this year to make way for its rehabilitation.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said the reopening of the underpass is in time for the upcoming Christmas, when people usually visit the city.

“Alam naman po ninyo, pagdating ng Pasko, dinadayo po ang Maynila. Ito po ay isang major thoroughfare papunta po ng Divisoria, ng Recto,” Lacuna said in an interview with reporters.

(You know that during Christmas, Manila has a lot of visitors. This is a major thoroughfare to Divisoria and Recto.)

“Kaya malaki pong kaluwagan ito kapag nabuksan po natin ito ngayong umaga,” she added

(This is why it is a big relief that it has been opened this morning.)

The mayor said there will be no more flooding in Lagusnilad, and motorists will no longer encounter potholes while passing through it, particularly during the rainy season.

“Pagkadating ng tag-ulan, inaasahan po natin na hindi na babahain [ang Lagusnilad] at hindi na magkakaroon ng lubak,” she pointed out.

(When the rainy season comes, we expect Lagusnilad will no longer be flooded, and there will be no more potholes.)

Lights were also installed to make the underpass bright in the evening.

“Kung makikita po ninyo, medyo tinaasan na po, [at] sementedo na po siya. Hindi na po aspalto,” she noted.

(As you can see, it has been elevated, [and] it is already cemented. It is no longer asphalt.)

Lacuna also said the pumping system of the underpass will further be upgraded to ensure that it will no longer submerge in floodwaters, even if it is below sea level.

Vehicles that used to be allowed to pass through Lagusnilad before it was temporarily closed will still be able to use the underpass.

“Mas matibay na po ito. In-upgrade po natin. Nilagyan po natin ng concrete, pati yung drainage system po, inayos natin. Kaya sa tingin ko po ay kahit ano pong klase ng sasakyan ay pwedeng magdaan dito,” Lacuna said.

(It is now more durable. We upgraded it. We used concrete, and we also fixed the drainage system. So, I believe any vehicle can pass through here.)

According to the mayor, Lagusnilad rehabilitation was funded by the national government, the local government of Manila, and Manila 5th District Representative Irwin Tieng.