DPWH eyes state-of-the-art dam in Camiguin

MANILA, Philippines - A state-of-the-art dam will soon be erected in Camiguin courtesy of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The Sabo dam project, which is worth P300 million, aims to ensure public safety during the occurrence of natural disasters, especially typhoons. It will be funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in coordination with the DPWH and the Provincial government of Camiguin. Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo said the JICA-assisted project would also help in the flood disaster mitigation in their province. “This (project) will be a first of its kind… This is a very ambitious undertaking but it is sure to save many lives,” he said. Camiguin, being marketed by the provincial government as an “island born of fire,” sits on four young stratovolcanoes lying atop older volcanic structures. These include Mt. Vulcan, Mt. Mambajao, Mt. Ginsiliban, and Mt. Uhay. There are also domes and cones at Campana Hill, Minokol Hill, Tres Marias Hill, Mt. Carling, Mt. Tibane , and Piyakong Hill. The Camiguin local official added that since of the island’s topography, heavy rains and flashfloods are common in the province. “There are times when heavy rains will continue for one week straight so we are very prone to flooding,” he said. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is expected to send a team to the province early next year for the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA). The main components of the project include the construction of two Sabo dams on the Pontod River and the restoration of the Hubagnon Bridge. - GMANews.TV