FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT. Photo shows the newly-completed flood control project in Dilasag town, Aurora province implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways-Aurora District Engineering Office. The agency has also completed a 390-lineal meter slope protection structure along the Duongan River in Baler town. (Photo courtesy of the DPWH Region III)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed two flood mitigation projects in Aurora province that could ensure the safety and protection of residents during the rainy season.
Roderick Andal, head of the DPWH-Aurora District Engineering Office, said on Tuesday the newly-completed projects were the 390-lineal meter slope protection structure along the Duongan River in Barangay Sabang, Baler town, and the 506.9-lineal meter seawall in Barangay Diagyan in Dilasag town.
Andal said the PHP4.9-million flood control project in Baler included the construction of stone masonry walls that can also be used by fisherfolk to better secure their boats during heavy rains or typhoons.
“Aware of the adverse effects of flooding on residents living along the river, we have augmented the existing 100-lineal meter wall protection along the area to ensure their safety as well as their livelihood," Andal said in a social media post.
On the other hand, he said the PHP19.6-million structure in Dilasag is connected to the existing seawalls and included the construction of slope protection on steel sheet pile foundation, stone masonry, grouted riprap, and embankment.
“The coastal barangay of Diagyan faces the Pacific Ocean making it prone to storm surges brought by heavy rains and typhoons, so the construction of structures like this is necessary for the safety and protection of residents and their livelihoods,” he said.
Meanwhile, the construction of another flood control structure in Aurora is ongoing.
Andal said the government has allocated PHP116.37 million under the 2022 national budget for the construction of a 1,300-lineal meter concrete slope protection on both sides of the creek in Barangay Matawe, Dingalan town.
Last year, the DPWH completed two flood control projects in Aurora worth PHP87.6 million.
These were the 1,198-linear meter Buhangin 1 flood control along the Dimanibong River in Baler, and the 438-linear meter dike along the Maria Aurora River in Barangay Dimanpudso, Maria Aurora town.
“Aurora is a coastal province and there are flood-prone especially those in low-lying villages along its major rivers,” Andal added. (PNA)
