THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Saturday it would implement permanent and more effective flood control measures in Central Luzon.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon made the announcement after giving orders for immediate, medium-term and long-term interventions for Bulacan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija and Bataan.
Earlier this week, Dizon met with Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda, Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda and the province’s mayors to discuss flood control measures.
Dizon noted that Pampanga’s original flood control master plan was drafted during the 1990s but was never fully implemented because of questions about some of its components.
”The government is also preparing immediate financial assistance for local governments to address damage and urgent needs caused by the recent flooding,” he said.
Dizon said the DPWH has a revolving quick response fund of P1 billion, which can be replenished, if necessary, but acknowledged that the total amount needed to repair damage nationwide would exceed that figure.
He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered that disaster funds be used for the most immediate needs of local governments and communities.
Among the measures being considered are detention basins, which Dizon described as a critical flood control solution that should be implemented nationwide.
He said Japanese consultants advised the government that detention basins could be highly effective and relatively easy to build, provided that suitable land is available.
Dizon said the cooperation of governors and mayors would be crucial in securing land for the facilities.
He said foreign technical assistance had been valuable in designing flood control solutions.
Dizon said making the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) flood-resilient is a priority because of its importance to the movement of people and goods in Northern and Central Luzon.
”We have to protect NLEx at all costs,” he said.
Dizon said repair of damaged bridges and road links, including the Agana Bridge, which is more than 40 years old, is on track.
