With the onset of the rainy season, the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) - 6 has directed local government units in the region to strengthen flood control systems.

OCD said LGUs must ensure that flood infrastructure and early warning systems are functioning. It also emphasized the importance of public cooperation in responding to disasters.

“Malaki ang tulong nito upang maibsan ang epekto ng pagbaha. Not only that, but we also encourage hindi lang ating local government unit but also kahit ang communities natin para ma-improve ang drainage system sa mga barangay,” said Maria Cristina Mayor, spokesperson of OCD-VI.

At a barangay In Pavia town in Iloilo, for example, it was observed that the floodway is narrow and shallow. Trash and pieces of wood, which may have been carried down from the mountain, were also seen.

According to an official of Barangay Anilao, this poses a big problem, especially when it rains, because disruption in the flow of water can trigger flooding.

It has reportedly been three years since the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) distilled the floodway and grass has grown since then.

“Pag-clearing ng ilog, three months after, balik na naman. Ito yung problema ng bayan. Hindi ito kaya ng LGU. Kahit mismo ang DPWH nagsasabi na hindi nila kayang linisin dahil hindi lang dito ang porsyon na dapat linisin,” said Tito Henarios, the captain of Barangay Anilao.

To clean the floodway, funds would be needed.

“Syempre, and debris mula sa ibabaw nag-accumulate sa ilalim, downstream. Para maging effective siya kung flood control project, dapat periodically ang pag-desilt,” said Rommel Jamerlan, head of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Pavia.

For its part, DPWH said it has started clearing operations to maintain cleanliness at rivers but the operations are scheduled due to its limited equipment.

“Kung makikita natin na may siltation na malaki, pinapadalhan natin ng dredger at backhoe para ma-monitor at ma-restore ang ating waterways,” said Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, Regional Director of DPWH-6.