Several flood-control structures were recently completed around the Philippines to address flooding in the provinces, the Department of Public Works and Highways announced.

Two river-control projects in the municipalities of Solana, Amulung, and Claveria in Cagayan Province were recently completed.

A riverbank protection structure was constructed along the Cagayan River in Barangay Natappian, Solana to prevent massive soil erosion and protects the locals’ homes and livelihood.

It was implemented under P72.38-million fund.

A flood control system also was built in Barangay Centro, Amulong town under a P66.23-million allocation.

The other flood-control structure was constructed along Cabicungan River in Barangay Nagsabaran in Claveria, Cagayan to protect residents from flooding during heavy downpours.

It is a P10-million flood control structure spanning a total of 114 linear meters. Its construction was funded under the General Appropriations Act of 2019 through department’s Flood Management Program.

“Residents living close to the rivers whose livelihood mainly relies on farming are now protected by the flood-control project,” Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said.

An eight-meter high flood control structure on each side of Cagpalale Creek in Calbayog City, Samar was also recently completed.

The flood control structures have a total length of 338 linear meters, lining the Abutment A and B of an adjacent bridge. It received an allotment of P45 million from the 2019 national budget.

Cagpalale Creek branches out from Jibatang River, the largest river system in Calbayog City.

According to the secretary, during high tide and heavy rainfall, the plainlands near the creek become easily flooded, which often results in property damage and human casualties.

“Other than protecting lives and properties, the flood control structures will also prevent riverbank erosion which may weaken the bridge structure. With Calbayog City as the commercial and industrial center of the province, the completed project will also provide protection to crops, fisheries, and other agricultural resources, opening more economic possibilities in the area,” Villar said.

A P14.68-million flood control structure was also built in Sitio Cabuling in Barangay Saravia, Koronadal City. It includes an 860-linear meter drainage system.

“We made sure to provide the community with this project knowing that its residents are constantly recovering from damages caused by frequent flash floods and landslides in the area. The structures have been relieving their fears and concerns for over three months now,” the secretary said.

A 426.30-meter river control structure in Barangays Malayal and Lintangan, Sibuco, Zamboanga Del Norte were also completed recently. A total of P40 million was spent to finish the flood control project within eight months.