Govt earmarks P20M for Vizcaya town flood control project

SOLANO, Philippines – President Arroyo has committed P20 million to help this town located in the northern Philippine province of Nueva Vizcaya address its perennial flood problem. The fund, which was facilitated by Rep. Carlos Padilla, will be coursed through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Padilla said the funds would be used to dredge the heavily silted irrigation canals and the reinforcement of water breakers along the mighty Magat River. “We can finally put a stop to this problem which has been a major impediment for some investors who have long wanted to relocate here. The amount will surely infuse a more positive business climate not only in Solano but in the whole province as well,” he said. Meanwhile, Mayor Philip Dacayo, who until recently has been scrounging for sources for the project, said Padilla’s facilitation of the flood control fund is indeed very timely. “This is an indication that our national government is sensitive to the plight of local government units especially on problems that hampers our growth. We extend our gratitude to Congressman Padilla for recognizing our town’s critical role in the development of Nueva Vizcaya,” said Dacayo. Solano, which is eyed as the province’s first city, has been affected by its chronic flood problem also due to its location along the Magat River whose natural flow of water was altered by the massive 1990 earthquake. - Floro Taguinod, GMANews.TV