The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) plans to build six dams along the Cagayan river to minimize the dangers whenever there are strong weather disturbances that will hit the Cagayan Valley.
This was revealed today by Engineer Jerry Fano, of the Unified Project Management Office, Flood Control Management cluster, DPWH, during a public hearing by Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, chairman of the Senate public works committee, on the widespread flooding and damage in Luzon.
Fano said this is part of a long-term plan of the DPWH against flooding.
This includes the construction of six dams along the Cagayan river that has a length of 520 kilometers and covers five provinces in Luzon.
Two of the dams would be for the control of flooding while the four would be ‘’multi-purpose’’ for irrigation and hydro-electric power.
At present, it is only the Magat dam that controls the Cagayan river to overflow its banks.
DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain said flood control projects are ready and are waiting for the approval of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).
He said the project could be completed in three to five years.
During the hearing, Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba hopes that the glory of Cagayan river would return as there hopes that a port would be built.
Mamba said there are many investors interested in investing in Cagayan.
During the hearing, Mamba said there are no Muslims in his province and that they do not have peace and order problems.