CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda expressed dissatisfaction over the ongoing flood mitigation projects handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here in a conference held yesterday.
“Hindi ako satisfied dun sa mga nagawang projects. Puro bitin at walang natatapos,” Pineda disclosed during the emergency meeting and presentation of flood control projects in the province.
Pineda convened with the officials of DPWH headed by Regional Director Antonio Molano Jr., provincial department heads led by Provincial Administrator Atty. Andres Pangilinan Jr., police force led by Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Edgardo Tinio, Army Brigade Commander Gregorio Catapang, municipal engineers, and village officials.
Furthermore, the governor also asked for a full disclosure on the current status of the various flood mitigation projects launched by agency.
“Magtapatan na tayo, para malaman na namin kung ano ang mga paghahandang kailangan naming gawin para sa probinsya,” Pineda demanded from the DPWH officials.
Pineda asked the project directors to present the actual status of the projects so that local and village officials could make the appropriate measures in addressing the flood problems experienced in the province during rainy season.
“Kung may mga pagkukulang man, kayong mga barangay officials na ang magpupuno nito sa mga kanya-kanya ninyong nasasakupan. Kayo ang mas nakakaalam ng mga pangangailangan ng inyong mga lugar,” Pineda instructed.
Despite this, the governor remained grateful for the continuous support of the national government for the province.
“Kung susumahin natin, aabot na ng P500-million ang pondong ibinigay ng national government sa ating probinsya. Napakalaki ng ating pasasalamat kay Pangulong Noy at sa DPWH para sa mga proyektong inilunsad sa ating probinsya,” Pineda stated.
Pineda advised the DPWH officials to develop a more comprehensive and long-term plan for the flood mitigation in the province, especially its flood-prone areas.
“Sayang yung mga binibigay na pondo ng national government. Napakalaking halaga ng nagagastos pero hindi tuluyang napapakinabangan ng mga Kapampangan. Hindi naman tayo engineer, pero sana mas pag-aralan yung mga susunod na proyekto,” Pineda stated.
The Capitol, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) will now formulate plans in accordance with the report submitted by the DPWH officials.
“Since nalaman natin ng halos 60% palang ng mga proyekto ang natatapos nila, maaari na nating gawin yung ating plano sa disaster preparedness and management,” the governor ended. (Angelique DC. Tuazon, PIO Pampanga)
