The Philippine Government and an Arnerlcen Consulting firm, Daniel, Mann, Johnson, and Mendenhall (DMJM) worked together thru 1914 to find a solution to the flooding problem of Manila. In 1915, the solution had working drawings, and by 1916 it was ready for implementation.
The Government through one of its planning arms, the Planning and Project De'velopment Office (PPDO) obtained a loan from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for conducting feasibility studies. This loan made it possible to bring to Manila a team of consultants that was to work with the government staff to bring to reality some ideas that had been toyed around for many years. Flooding may be tolerated if not enjoyed in an area that is less densely populated. But to a city of high density and rapid growth like Manila, the inundation of homes and business establishments and the impassability of flooded streets are not only a nuisance but a significant economic loss.