LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO FLOOD SEEN

WITH widespread flooding recently inundating large parts of Pangasinan, provincial leaders are ramping up efforts to implement long-term, province-wide solutions targeting the root causes of the problem: silted and degraded river systems.

 

Governor Ramon Guico III and Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino are both strongly advocating for large-scale dredging and river rehabilitation projects, starting at the river mouths and extending upstream, as part of a broader strategy to mitigate flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

 

In an interview on Monday, Lambino highlighted the importance of rehabilitating the province’s three major river systems — the Bued-Cayanga, Sinocalan, and Agno River Systems — and their tributaries, as these are heavily silted and are unable to carry large volumes of floodwater.

 

“In 2024, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved, upon the request of Governor Guico, an agreement allowing the provincial government to implement river rehabilitation programs,” he said.

 

“This is not just about quarrying. True river rehabilitation involves environmental engineers and planners to restore the natural flow and improve the carrying capacity of our rivers,” he added.

 

According to Lambino, the rehabilitation project will begin at the mouths of the rivers, particularly the Agno River System through the Limahong Channel in Lingayen, and will eventually cover the Sinocalan and Pantal River Systems, which drain areas like Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, and Dagupan — some of the most flood-affected parts of the province.

 

In a press release posted on the provincial government’s official Facebook page, it said that Guico, in a briefing during the flooding incident, said the provincial government is committed to bold, long-term solutions that include the construction of drainage systems, pumping stations, and retention ponds in addition to dredging.

 

“We have to make a bold move. This should be a province-wide or even region-wide effort,” Guico said. “The main reason for this flooding is the heavily silted rivers.”

 

The governor also cited the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Administrative Order No. 2020-07 (DAO 7), which allows the province to engage in dredging projects through accredited proponents, with no cost to the government. He assured the public that the project has undergone all legal and environmental compliance processes, including the issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs).

 

Guico further called on the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass an ordinance creating a dedicated task force or department focused on flood mitigation and river system rehabilitation. (Eva Visperas)

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