Manila, Oct. 22 -- More than half of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) proposed PHP6.56 billion budget for 2027 will go to flood control and sewerage management, making flood mitigation its largest spending priority despite a reduction in the agency's overall funding.

During Thursday's Senate Committee on Finance hearing, MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes presented a PHP3.4 billion allocation for flood control, accounting for nearly 52 percent of the agency's proposed budget.

Of the amount, PHP2.51 billion is intended for capital expenditures, PHP813.63 million for maintenance and operating expenses, and PHP82.22 million for personnel services.

The funding will support flood mitigation operations, including the mainte...