Dredging operations on the Pantal River in Dagupan City have been suspended for nearly four months as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) awaits budget approval, raising concerns over flooding ahead of the rainy season.

DPWH officials said no funds have yet been approved for the project, but they expect the budget to be released by February so the national government’s flood control program can begin before the dry season ends.

“Sa ngayon naghihintay tayo ng allocated funds. Actually buong bansa ang halos wala pang budget. Siguro may mga documents pang dapat isaayos,” Engr. Kim Soy, dredge master of DPWH-1, said.

Despite the stoppage, DPWH said the riverbed remains deep and there has been no significant silting so far, as no major storms or heavy rains have occurred.

“As of now wala pang ulan o bagyo, wala pa namang siltation sa ilog. Pero mag-update tayo kung ano na talaga ang condition ng Pantal River,” Soy said.

Once funding is approved and the budget released, DPWH said dredging will immediately resume, starting at the river mouth. The sandbar in the area has visibly expanded since #UwanPH hit the region in November 2025, officials said.

Residents warned that failure to dredge could lead to flooding once the rainy season begins.

“Kailangan talaga madraga ‘yan kasi aapaw ‘yan kapag tag-ulan,” Elvira Rosal, a resident of the area, said.

As of press time, dredging machines stationed along the Pantal River are undergoing maintenance while on standby, DPWH said.