By Vhioly Rosatazo
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has identified five areas in the province affected by flooding due to blocked waterways.
During a meeting with Gov. Daniel Fernando, the PDRRMO reported that flooding in Barangays Longos and Bulihan in Malolos City, Malis in Guiguinto, Panginay in Balagtas, Masuso in Pandi, and Saluysoy in Meycauayan City was caused by several factors.
These include the occupation of waterways by informal settlers and other structures, severe siltation of rivers and streams, improper garbage disposal, and blocked, damaged, or low-positioned culverts.
Other identified causes include gaps in existing dikes and riverbank walls, inadequate or substandard water pumps, narrow waterways, and poorly maintained floodgates.
The PDRRMO is also set to conduct a series of studies and assessments in other flood-prone barangays across the province to determine the specific causes of flooding and develop appropriate measures to alleviate the problem, according to a report by the Provincial Public Affairs Office (PPAO) headed by Krissa Alexis Talavera.
The PPAO also reported that Fernando directed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in the province to review flood prevention projects in the five identified areas that are included in the agency’s approved and funded General Appropriations Act.
The governor also directed the National Irrigation Administration, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and heads of various provincial government departments to develop solutions to the province’s recurring flooding problems.
ia/
