CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The provincial government is considering the construction of a retarding basin in Candaba Swamp to solve the flooding problem in the province.
This was gleaned during the Post Disaster Forum for Barangays Along Pampanga River held at Bren Z. Guaio Convention attended by 41 barangays from the typhoon affected municipalities of Apalit, Arayat, Candaba, Macabebe, Masantol, San Simon and San Luis.
Engr. Lita Manalo from the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said a proposal was made for the construction of a retarding basin – a dam built for the storage of surface water for a limited period of time – in Candaba.
According to Manalo, the World Bank together with consultants from the University of The Philippines (UP) eneded up with the study of constructing a retarding basin in Candaba swamp and San Antonio swamp in Nueve Ecija to solve the flooding problem in Pampanga. Once approved, the DPWH will need to allocate P6 billion for the project.
“Ang pangarap ng ating secretary Singson ay makapagtayo ng retarding basin na makatutulong ng malaki sa lahing Capampangan,” Manalo said.
Gov. Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda said the project will be of great help in controlling the flooding in the province but the government should first conduct consultation meeting among the residents and other officials that will be affected by the construction of the basin.
Candaba Mayor Rene Maglangque for his part said their municipality is open for the proposal but the agency should first schedule a meeting with the affected population.
The governor also requested the DPWH to rehabilitate the Arayat-Apalit setback levee as it is the protection of the whole province when it comes to flooding.
“Atin ne kanung P36 million pondo ing DPWH para keng rehabilitasyun ning setback levee pero ali ya magkasya ‘yan. Kailangan deng itodo ing rehabilitasyun kasi iyan mu ing pagasa mi habang ali ya magagawa itang ring dike uling ing Pampanga River lalawak ya. So ing proteksyun tamu talaga ing setback levee” said the governor.
“Kung misolusyunan ing pamagbaha alang masirang bale, alang masirang palayan, alang masirang negosyo. So, lawen tamu ing complete solution nung makananu ala ng mababaha. Ing malyari kasi andyang alayu ing bagyu keni pero ikami ing sasalu keng danum,” the governor added.
Hilton Hernando, assistant weather services chief from the Pampanga River Flood Forecasting and Warning Center also discussed the weather phenomenon and the sudden rise of the water level in Pampanga River and other tributaries during the onslaught of typhoon Lando.
Engr. Noel Lacadin, chief geologist from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-EMB) also discussed the effects of water disturbances and the Pampanga River on Mt. Arayat.
According to the report released by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) a total of 43,242 families or 196,226 individuals were affected by the floodwaters brought by typhoon Lando. Partial report of damages in agriculture reached P 342,217,425 while P2,349,300.00 worth of damages were recorded in the veterinary sector.
During the forum, Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr, Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino, Mayor Rene Maglanque, Mayor Venancio Macapagal, and representatives coming from Macabebe, Masantol, and San Simon also reported their assessment and action plan to address the heavy flooding caused by the rise of water level in Pampanga River.
PDRRM Officer Angie Blanco said the mayors are now asking for the help of the provincial government for the dredging of Pampanga River and the construction of evacuation centers in their respective municipalities.
Also present during the forum were Vice Mayor Ramon Changcoco, Vice Mayor Normita Evangelista, other local officials, chief-of-staff Fritzie David-Dizon, and capitol department heads.
By Liezel Cayanan
