Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando recommended the construction of additional water reservoirs and water impounding areas as part of the long-term solutions to mitigate Bulacan's flooding problem during President Marcos' visit to the province on Monday, Aug. 7.
The President conducted an aerial inspection and distributed aid to the residents affected by heavy flooding due to southwest monsoon rains strengthened by typhoons “Egay” and “Falcon”
Fernando proposed additional water reservoirs and water-impounding areas in the lowlands aside from the province's emergency response to dredge rivers and creeks.
Aside from the Bayabas Reservoir, the governor recommended that additional water reservoirs be constructed as well as water-impounding areas similar to the La Mesa Dam.
"This is to hold the excess water coming from the uplands to avoid the overflowing of rivers that might cause flooding. Moreso, the collected waters from the impounding areas can be used later easily for irrigation purposes,” the governor said.
In a situation briefing with select regional line agencies at the Mariano Ponce Hall, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in the City of Malolos, President Marcos said he agreed to the recommendations adding that Fernando’s proposed long-term solutions for the province match the plans of the national government.
He said dredging is an emergency response to deepen the rivers, but not a permanent solution. "I think you have identified the better way, the water reservoirs and water impounding areas in the lowlands, and that's our plan,” he said.
In his report to the President, Fernando identified the causes of massive flooding in the province as urbanization and the construction of private infrastructure; saturated land due to extensive downpours; lack of masterplan and design in the construction of drainages; and the ongoing construction of the Manila North Rail Transit.
The governor also reported the current status of various sectors in Bulacan wherein a total of P768,671,475 worth of damages on agriculture, fisheries, livestock, poultry, and infrastructure were recorded due to flooding and the onslaught of the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoons Egay and Falcon.
Bulacan Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro also called the attention of the Philippine National Railway regarding the ongoing construction of the PNR Line in the province that contributed to the prolonged flooding in the towns of Marilao, Santa Maria, and other areas since the construction blocked some of the drainage systems in the province.
The President informed them that he is pushing for the creation of the Water Resources Management Office under the Office of the President which will be tasked to provide leadership in the conservation and judicious use of water as vital agricultural resource in the upland farming communities.