Weeks after floods submerged several villages in Calasiao, Pangasinan, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started reinforcing a damaged dike in Barangay San Vicente with sandbags and a planned gabion wall to prevent another overflow of the Marusay River.

Since early October 2025, workers have been placing sandbags along the damaged section of the dike. The DPWH Pangasinan 4th District Engineering Office said it will also construct a gabion, a structure made of rocks encased in wire mesh, to provide a stronger barrier against future flooding.

“Since may sandbags at gabion, may magho-hold sa water. Hindi siya directly pupunta sa mga kalapit na barangay,” Kristine Joy Soriano, spokesperson of the Calasiao Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said.

The dike was destroyed late September 2025 at the height of consecutive typhoons, causing widespread flooding in Barangays San Vicente, Dinalaoan, and Banaoang. Neighboring areas in Dagupan City, including Malued and Lucao, were also affected.

Barangay officials said they visit the construction site regularly to monitor the progress of the repair work.

“Halos kalahati ng San Vicente ang naapektuhan. Sa kalsada, walang tubig. Pero sa bahay, may tubig sa bahay. Sa kalsada lang ang wala,” Barangay San Vicente Chairman Radito Joves said.

Residents are hopeful the reinforcement will spare their homes from another flood disaster.

Luz Diocare, a resident of Barangay Banaoang, said it was the first time water reached their house when the dike broke.

“’Yun po ‘yung pinakauna na naabutan kami ng tubig. Sana matapos agad, para kahit umulan, di na ako mag-aalala,” Diocare said.

Local officials vowed to continue monitoring the project to ensure its completion before the next wet season.