A symbol of unity in times of calamity
Sometimes tragedy has positive effects on the community and its people – it brings them together in prayer, in convergence, in love and care.
It was proven true during the onslaught of Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) as it struck and inundated some Pampanga’s 395 villages. Portions of the flood control earth dike structure in the province were breached. This incident aggravated and buried villages into cascading floodwaters.
The big blow was felt by the people who relied on the strength and capacity of San Fernando-Sto.Tomas-Minalin Tail dike that protected their lives and properties over the years from the wrath of strong water current that rampaged along the stretch of Gugu river.
However, their confidence on the tail dike has put to doubt when they were surprised with its sudden collapse that perished not only their homes, properties but some members of their communities who died because of drowning and electrocution – due to flashflood brought by the scouring of the tail dike that protected them through the years.
The breaching of the tail dike in two portions submerged barangays in the southern part of the City of San Fernando, the whole town of Sto.Tomas and 14 barangays in Minalin and traumatized thousands of Capampangans who were caught unprepared by the flash floods.
Minalin Tail dike.
Working together is a beginning and a success in its real sense
The voice and weeping of the people in pain were heard. There were tears flowing in their face. Their suffering and hopelessness at that time were felt. They were the people in need of everyone’s care and attention.
At this point in their lives, beloved Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda has wasted no time. She pulled and brought together all resources of the concerned agencies, local government units, non-government organizations and even the assistance of private citizens into one common goal – immediately assist flood-hit Cabalens in times of calamity.
The governor conducted series of meetings involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Armed Forces of the Philippines, (AFP) Philippine National Police (PNP) Pampanga Mayors’ League (PML) and Barangay officials to come up with short and long term solutions on the breaching of the tail dike and prevent perennial flooding in the affected towns.
Minalin Mayor Arturo Naguit has deployed his personnel and equipment as he led them in helping the provincial government and the DPWH in diverting the flow of water from the Gugu River to Labuan, Pasig-Potrero up to San Francisco River to prevent floodwaters from cascading into the villages of his town while Sto.Tomas Mayor Lito Naguit used their own equipment and trucks to help in the water rechanneling.
With this, Governor Pineda has initially released to the local government of Minalin some P5-million pesos as gasoline assistance for the working heavy equipment utilized by the mayor.
The Federation of Small Scale Quarry Operators of Pampanga has immediately responded to the call of Nanay Gob in extending help for the immediate rehabilitation of the earth dike to rebuild the structure that protect them from flooding.
The DPWH, while waiting for the release of their requested funds amounting to a total of P270-million from the Central Office has started its works through their regular budget in the region and using their four backhoes and 2 barges that will take them to work for almost three months.
Together with the provincial and municipal governments, private quarry operators, the DPWH has simultaneously putting an end to the perennial flooding in the City of San Fernando, Sto. Tomas and Minalin towns.
Based on the joint request of the governor and local government units, the DPWH through Secretary Rogelio Singson has approved the following budget: P25-million for the closure of the two breached portion of the tail dike and P245-million for the restoration and rechanneling of the water channels and tributaries from Gugu river to San Francisco river via Pasig Potrero as long term solution to the annual flooding in the southern part of Pampanga.
The rechanneling is the immediate action taken to minimize the entry of water in the breached portions of the tail dike in order to start the rehabilitation and closure of the scoured portion.
In so many times, Cabalens –the Capampangans have proven their resiliency, strong spirit of cooperation, love and concerns to those who are in dire need of their assistance – big or small.
These characters of our Ckabalen is highlighted by the affection and care bestowed by Nanay Gob.
In prayer, we say to the Lord, God have mercy on us! Save Pampanga!
(Jenna V. Lumbang, PIO – Pampanga)
