P119-M road, flood control projects completed in Pampanga, Zambo Sur

MANILA – Residents of an agricultural community in Central Luzon and those in low-lying areas in a town in the Zamboanga Peninsula would benefit from the road concreting and flood control projects worth P119.17 million, which were completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In a news release Thursday, DPWH Region 3 (Central Luzon) director Roseller Tolentino said the P64.17 million Caulaman River Irrigation System Main Canal Service Road in Barangay Dampe, Floridablanca, Pampanga has provided easier access to an irrigation facility in the area.

He said the project covers two sections composed of road paving using portland cement concrete pavement with provision of slope protection structures and a retaining wall.

The DPWH Pampanga 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO) completed under Section A of the Caulaman River Irrigation System Main Canal Service Road a concrete road and slope protection measuring 513.1 meters and 524 meters, respectively.

Meanwhile, Section B of the service road includes the construction of a 1.37-kilometer road, 1.36-kilometer slope protection, and a 1.23-kilometer retaining wall.

Aside from enhancing agricultural productivity through effective and timely delivery of farm products, Tolentino said the paved road also provides a convenient route for motorists and the traveling public.

The road project was under Kalsada Tungo sa Patubigan Program with funding sourced from the 2023 General Appropriations Act.

Meanwhile, low-lying communities are now better protected against overflow from the Dipolo River with the completion of a flood control structure worth P55 million in the town of Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga del Sur.

DPWH Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) director Cayamombao Dia said the project in Barangay Katipunan involved the construction of a 228.4-meter slope protection with a two-meter walkway.

"Local folks are now at ease knowing that they have a sturdy structure to safeguard their homes and livelihood from untoward incidents caused by excessive flooding, especially during rainy days or typhoons," she said in a statement.

Besides increasing flood resilience, she said the structure will also aid in the preservation of soil and mitigate degradation of the riverbed.

The flood control project was undertaken by DPWH Zamboanga del Sur 1st DEO. (PNA)