The Department of Public Works and Highways has finished the construction of a flood mitigation structure along Matigay Creek in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
DPWH Region 6 director Sanny Boy Oropel said that the 584.6-meter stone masonry structure now protects the residents of Barangay Rizal, which is in close proximity to the creek.
“Matigay Creek is a narrow waterway that is highly susceptible to flooding during inclement weather. Thus, providing an all-weather protective structure will ensure the safety of people, properties, and livelihood in the area,” Oropel said in a statement recently.
Implemented by the DPWH Negros Occidental 1st District Engineering Office (DEO), the flood control structure will address the issue of flash floods and prevent the erosion of banks to enhance the overall safety of the communities along the creek.
Other construction works on the P96.4-million Matigay Creek flood control project also include embankment which is designed to reinforce and stabilize the banks of the creek.
The DPWH Negros Occidental 2nd DEO, on the other hand, has widened the Isabela-Libas Negros Occidental boundary road, specifically in Isabela.
The P15.1-million project involved the construction of a 406-lineal meter Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) road with a thickness of 280 millimeters.
Oropel said that this road widening project is an important step towards enhancing vehicle mobility in the area.
“This widened road facilitates faster movement of goods and services, and uplifts the municipality’s economy. It significantly reduces travel time and ensures safety and convenience, especially for those driving large and heavy vehicles,” he added.
The improvement is expected to support economic growth and development in Isabela, providing a more efficient transportation network for residents and businesses.
The Department of Budget and Management, meanwhile, approved the release of P1 billion for the implementation of disaster-related infrastructure projects, upon the request of the DPWH.
“When successive disasters hit the country, DPWH was one of the frontline agencies that ran out of funds for relief and rehabilitation efforts. That’s why, when the DPWH requested additional funds, we immediately made a way,” DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement Nov. 29.
“As directed by President Bongbong Marcos, we shall continue to ensure that we provide needed support to crucial initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of natural calamities. Malaking bagay po itong dagdag na pondo para maipagpatuloy ‘yung rehabilitation and restoration efforts ng DPWH, so that we can have efficient and more resilient infrastructure,” she added.
Pangandaman approved the issuance of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) Nov. 27, and is valid to be compulsory until Dec. 31, 2025.
For this year, P22.736 billion has been allocated for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF). With this amount, P22.479 billion was released to relevant national government agencies, including the DPWH.
The NDRRMF may be used for aid, relief, and rehabilitation services in communities/places; as well as repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction works related to disaster occurrence, whether natural or human-induced in the current year or past two years. ||
