Residents reinforce damaged dike as water level rises in Sinocalan River in Pangasinan

Residents in Barangay Ventinilla, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, worked together to reinforce a damaged dike with sandbags as the Sinocalan River rose above its critical level.

The sandbags were placed along the damaged section of the dike to help prevent water from the river from reaching the community. Houses stand close to the dike, increasing the risk if the structure gives way.

Barangay Councilman Samson Edrada said residents want to slow the water flow to protect their homes.

“Matigil 'yung agos ng tubig para mga kabahayan dito hindi matangay ng agos. Kasi kami ang kawawa kapag ito'y bumigay kaya dapat maaksyunan,” he said.

(We need to prevent the water from reaching the houses so they won't be swept away. We will be the ones in trouble if the dike fails so we need to take action.)

As of 1 p.m., the Sinocalan River had reached 7.7 feet above its critical level, according to local monitoring.

Residents said the sandbags provide only temporary protection. Jerry Santiago, who lives near the dike, said he remains worried that the river could rise further.

“Hindi po kami kampante kasi sabi ko nga, temporary lang 'yan. Pag 'yan umangat, wala talaga,” he said.

(We cannot be complacent because as I have said, if the water keeps on rising that's it.)

Part of the dike was damaged in October 2025 during a series of storms. Residents have continued to wait for a permanent repair.

Sta. Barbara DRRM Officer Raymundo Santos said sandbagging is only a quick measure because heavy equipment cannot enter the area.

“Mabilisang lunas lang para maibsan lang 'yung problema. Sandbagging lang muna ang maaano natin kasi pati heavy equipment natin hindi pwedeng lumusong,” he said.

(We need a quick solution to address the problem. Sandbagging is what we can manage right now because our heavy equipment can't reach here.)

Several other barangays in Sta. Barbara were also experiencing flooding due to the rains. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office continued to monitor the situation. —Sendee Salvacio, GMA Regional TV News