The Philippines’ Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is advancing with the construction of the second phase of the domestic National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Emergency Complex in Mandaluyong City.  

This phase includes finishing works and site development, as well as building upon the completed substructure and superstructure from phase one. 

Phase one of the NCMH Emergency Complex was completed in February 2024, with funding of 50m pesos ($0.89m) from 2023's General Appropriations Act.  

The ongoing second phase, with civil works valued at 25m pesos from the 2024 budget, is now 25% complete.  

The Metro Manila 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) of the DPWH is implementing this phase, aiming for completion and handover by the first quarter (Q1) of 2025. 

Upon completion, the emergency complex will have a total floor area of 10,798m², including a roof deck.  

The facility is being designed with fully air-conditioned rooms and well-ventilated areas, with a fire protection system. 

DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan said: “The new emergency complex at the NCMH will address the urgent needs of individuals experiencing severe mental health crises, by providing a dedicated complex for safe, comprehensive, and immediate medical and physiological care for individuals with mental health conditions.” 

The DPWH has also announced the completion of the river flood control project in Barangay San Juan, Quirino.  

This initiative is part of the broader Mallig River Flood Control project and aims to mitigate flooding, prevent soil erosion, and enhance drainage. 

It was completed for 96.4m pesos, funded under the fiscal year 2024 DPWH Regular Infrastructure Program.

The Isabela Second DEO of the DPWH implemented this project. 

Earlier this week, the DPWH completed two domestic river protection projects in Santiago, Agusan del Norte.