CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Due to the massive floods brought about by typhoon “Lando” in the seven towns of the province, Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda on Tuesday urged all members of the Regional Development Council (RDC), government agencies, stakeholders and the private sectors to come up with an integrated solution to manage disasters.
This was gleaned during the joint-meeting of the RDC with the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Josefina Timoteo at the NEDA Conference Room in Maimpis, this city.
Governor Pineda before the council, addressed the lingering problem of flooding in the province and the demand of a serious long term plan for the safety of the people, properties and livelihood.
“Gusto kong malaman san ba tayo papunta? Ang Pampanga ang sumasahod ng lahat ng tubig galing sa taas pero wala kayong plano, wala kayong stand kung ano ang mangyayari sa amin. Dapat tapusin na natin ngayon, ano ba yung long term plan natin? Pinaka-kritikal ngayon ang Pampanga River. Ang nagiging di-ke ngayon ang mga bahay na lang,” the governor said.
The governor also disclosed her concerns on the impending impacts of climate change in the coming years.
Governor Pineda likewise, encouraged the members of the committee to present their contribution not only as part of the council but as a lasting influence to defy climate change.
Furthermore, Governor Pineda poured out her sentiments to DPWH Region 3 Director Antonio Molano Jr. about the latter’s lack of exigency plans and long-winded progression to dredge Pampanga River.
“Director Molano meron akong 300 million mula sa 20 % ko, kakausapin ko ang COA at ang budget tulungan mo na lang kaming bumili ng sarili namin, kami na lang ang magdedredge mula sa bukana ng Pampanga River hanggang palabas kung saan kami aabot. 440 years na ang Pampanga River na yan ni minsan hindi siya nadredge”, the governor explained.
“Kung aantayin namin kayo lulubog na ang buong Pampanga wala pa kaming maaasahan,” Pineda added.
Meanwhile, Timoteo cited Governor Pineda’s recommendation to visit and re-assess the Gabaldon area to determine how the government can address the problem and focus interest on the condition of the Pampanga River.
By Maribel U. Singca
