THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has intensified dredging and pumping operations in flood-prone Hagonoy, Bulacan, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. orders repairs to flood-control structures and construction of the Iba Pumping Station to help ease persistent flooding. Dredging continues along Iba-Wawa Creek, while a mobile pump is being installed at the Iba Pumping Station to speed up the movement of floodwaters toward the Labangan Channel, which connects to the Angat River. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the ongoing operations on Monday with Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando and Hagonoy Mayor Ma. Rosario Sy-Alvarado Mendoza, two weeks after his previous inspection of the site. Dizon said Marcos had ordered the repair of flood-control structures and the start of construction of the pumping station to mitigate severe flooding in the area. The measures come as Hagonoy and neighboring towns in Bulacan continue to grapple with recurring floods that damage homes, disrupt livelihoods, and threaten communities during periods of heavy rain and high tides. Bulacan’s persistent flooding is partly driven by its low-lying terrain, which leaves communities in Hagonoy and nearby Paombong vulnerable to river overflow and water from Manila Bay. High tides can further impede drainage, causing floodwaters to accumulate in residential areas. The crisis has also exposed concerns over the integrity of existing flood-control structures. During an inspection in August, Dizon flagged a damaged coastal dike in Paombong, saying it was not designed to withstand the strong waves battering the concrete wall. The government ordered repairs, with the contractor expected to cover the cost under the project warranty. In September, the DPWH and provincial officials discussed a broader flood-mitigation plan for Bulacan, including 10 initial water detention basins, additional mobile pumps and modular barriers in flood-prone communities. For the longer term, the government is exploring stronger dikes, additional water detention facilities, and a combination of conventional engineering and nature-based solutions to reduce flooding in vulnerable areas of Bulacan and neighboring Pampanga. The latest dredging and pumping operations are intended to improve water movement and provide immediate relief while larger flood-control projects are pursued. Their effectiveness will depend on whether the drainage network can handle incoming floodwaters and whether damaged or inadequate structures are repaired and completed.
The Manila Times
Original source
