The Department of Public Works and Highways Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office (DEO) said it has completed several flood control structures along the Ilog-Hilabangan River in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, all worth about P464 million.
These projects provide much-needed safeguards for communities and agricultural lands, the DPWH said June 24.
The P105.8-million project in Barangay Orong involved a 368-meter-long protective wall, complementing existing barriers.
The structure includes stone mattresses for reinforcement, and stairways every 100 meters to help residents move easily along the river.
An additional 348-meter slope protection, worth P110 million, was also implemented in the barangay.
Meanwhile, the two flood control structures, amounting to P124.1 million and P125.4 million, and each spanning 429.2 meters, were completed in Barangay Talubangi.
These protective barriers prevent soil erosion along the riverbanks and regulate floodwaters, limiting the risk of overflow into residential and commercial zones, the DPWH said.
District Engineer Sagosara Capal said that these projects aim to reduce the damage caused by prolonged rainfall, dam spills, and strong currents that frequently threaten the area.
“These flood control projects represent security for the people of Kabankalan,” Capal said in a statement. “With stronger barriers in place, we are protecting homes, livelihoods, and the agricultural backbone of our community.”
He added that through these efforts, the DPWH continues to fortify flood protection in Negros Occidental, ensuring that residents and farmlands remain secure against the challenges brought by extreme weather conditions. ||
