The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now completing three flood control projects in Nueva Ecija and has completed similar structure in La Union as part of the government’s disaster readiness preparations amid heavy rains that are now being experienced in most part of the country.
DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoan said three flood control projects were completed in Nueva Ecija and are expected to protect residents of San Leonardo town from flashflood that have been a problem over the years.
They are the flood mitigation structures in Barangay Tabuating along Pampanga River measuring 222.2 lineal meters and Barangay San Roque along Peñaranda River which is 180 lineal meters high.
DPWH Region 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino said the projects’ accomplishment rates are recorded at 82.87 percent for the Pampanga River flood control structure rehabilitation and 79.39 percent for the revetment wall construction along Peñaranda River.
Director Tolentino added that the ongoing flood control projects are being fast-tracked to complement the 135.2-linear meter flood control structure also in Barangay Tabuating along Tabuating Creek, which is built months ahead its target completion in August 2022.
The town of San Leonardo is a flatland bordered by active waterways – the Tabuating Creek in the north, Pampanga River in the west, and Peñaranda River from its northeast to southwest tip.
The town’s geographic location makes it prone to incidents of surrounding waterway inundation especially during typhoon season.
“The completion of the projects will not only ensure protection of lives in times of calamities. It can also help prevent massive damage on the locals’ source of livelihood, which is heavily reliant on farming and other agricultural industries,” said Director Tolentino.
The three projects cost P91.57 million.
In La Union, the DPWH has completed the rehabilitation of the eight-meter high revetment wall along the riverbanks of Amburayan River in Sudipen town.
DPWH Region 1 Director Ronnel M. Tan said rhe rehabilitation of concrete structure spanning 260-meters in Barangay Porporiket aims to lessen flooding problems and protect agricultural lands.
The flood mitigation structure is expected to block the overflow of Amburayan River during rainy and typhoon season.
“The protective structure also served as a tourist attraction during summer,” said Tan, adding that the project cost P27.99 million.