Marcos eyes 5 dams, 100-km dike for Central Luzon flood control

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is eyeing the construction of five dams in Nueva Ecija and a 100-kilometer dike extending toward Pilar, Bataan, as part of the government’s long-term solutions to recurring flooding in Central Luzon.

The proposed projects were discussed during Marcos’ situation briefing in Pampanga on Monday following widespread flooding in the region.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is looking at immediate, medium-term and long-term measures to reduce the impact of flooding in Central Luzon.

Immediate measures include the repair of damaged infrastructure, as well as declogging, desilting and dredging operations. The government will also continue monitoring these interventions to determine whether they remain effective and durable, Castro said.

For the longer term, the government is studying the construction of five dams along the Sabo River in Nueva Ecija.

Another proposal is a 100-kilometer dike extending toward Pilar, Bataan, which the Palace said could help address flooding caused by water coming from Manila Bay.

The proposals come as Central Luzon continues to deal with the effects of heavy rains and flooding.

Marcos personally inspected flood-affected areas in Pampanga and Bulacan on Monday and visited residents staying in evacuation centers.

During the situation briefing, the President also ordered the delivery of immediate assistance to affected local governments.

A total of P220 million in special financial assistance from the Office of the President was distributed to affected areas, according to the Palace.

“The President was satisfied with the government’s response during the height of the weather disturbance in Central Luzon," Castro said.

"Before the situation briefing ended, President Marcos Jr. distributed up to P220 million in special financial assistance from the Office of the President to help address the needs of residents affected by the flooding,” she added.

Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales each received P30 million.

The municipalities of Calumpit and Hagonoy in Bulacan each received P15 million, while Aurora province received P10 million.

The assistance is intended to help local governments address the immediate needs of residents affected by the flooding.

“In his interview after the situation briefing, the President emphasized the government’s continuing efforts to mitigate the impact of heavy rains in the Philippines,” the Palace said.

According to Castro, the government’s approach will combine immediate repairs and clearing operations with longer-term infrastructure projects aimed at reducing Central Luzon’s vulnerability to flooding.— MCG, GMA News