FRESH from a resounding reelection victory, Second District Rep. Mark Cojuangco reaffirmed his commitment to flood control and infrastructure development in his jurisdiction, citing the success of the Aplaya Floodgate project as a model for future efforts.

Cojuangco, who garnered 231,839 votes, representing 77% of the total, in the May 12, 2025 midterm elections, credited public support for his policies and infrastructure plans as a decisive factor in his reelection.

“The people have spoken, the people have judged,” Cojuangco said in an interview following his proclamation. “I think the people saw the correctness of what we wanted to do to protect Lingayen from floods.”

Central to his platform is the ongoing flood control initiative in Sitio Aplaya, Barangay Pangapisan Norte, where the Aplaya Floodgate Project is nearing completion. Designed to manage water discharge during heavy rains and prevent river backflow during high tides, the floodgate has already delivered noticeable results.

“For 20 years, no one has been able to bring a solution. But now, it doesn’t flood anymore,” he said. “Even if it rains heavily when the tidal gate is closed and it’s high tide, there’s a pump to bring water out.”

The congressman also addressed bureaucratic delays that had previously stalled the project, pointing to the need for inter-agency cooperation. He specifically called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to act swiftly, particularly now that newly elected Lingayen Mayor Josefina “Iday” Castañeda is expected to back the project.

During the campaign, critics had raised questions about the project, making it a focal political issue. But Cojuangco stood firm, defending the initiative as not only necessary but also replicable in other flood-prone areas of Pangasinan, including Binmaley and even inland Urdaneta City.

“Urdaneta City is 22 meters above sea level. The Netherlands is below sea level and yet they don’t flood. We can find solutions if we want to,” said Cojuangco, who previously served as representative of Fifth District, which includes Urdaneta

Beyond Sitio Aplaya, Cojuangco has announced plans to build four more floodgates across the 2^nd District but admitted that delays in implementation are due to “issues” hindering the release of necessary permits and coordination.

As he embarks on his second term, Cojuangco acknowledged the weight of expectations on his shoulders but promised to meet them with action. (Eva Visperas)

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