Ilocos villagers seek help for seawall rehab

By Leilanie Adriano

August 18, 2018, 6:38 pm

LAOAG CITY—Some 23 families in the coastal village of Caruan, Pasuquin may consider relocating their residential houses as a storm surge may hit them anytime.

Over the past few days, moderate to strong waves brought about by the Southwest monsoon has damaged a 27.70-linear meter seawall in sitio Bago, meant to protect residential houses, which are mostly made up of light weight materials.

As the weather has improved, some of the affected families, who are mostly dependent on pebble picking and fishing, are now back to their homes. They remain vulnerable though.

Pasuquin Vice Mayor Pedro Rex Aguinaldo said a team from the Department of Public Works and Highways already inspected the site and recommend some measures to rehabilitate the damaged seawall.

“Right now, we are looking for funds for the repair of the seawall and its embankment the soonest possible time,” said Aguinaldo.

He likewise appealed to the villagers to immediately leave the area when a calamity strikes without waiting for local authorities and force them to evacuate.

For the meantime, residents have to settle with selling pebbles just to make ends meet.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Resiliency Council had also immediately dispatch relief goods to the victims. (PNA)

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