DAGUPAN Mayor Belen T. Fernandez was on the ground to monitor flood-hit barangays across the city as torrential rains and overflowing creeks continue to affect many low-lying communities, and she called for several additional solutions to address the flooding problem.

She said the city has already requested the rehabilitation of aging creek systems that are no longer capable of handling the volume of water during heavy rainfall.

“It’s a good thing that the new dredging machine has finally arrived,” the mayor said. “This will be used to clear not only the main rivers but also tributaries, including the river along Dawel in the Arellano-Bani area,” said Fernandez in an interview over Aksyon Radyo Pangasinan.

In a bid to prevent further flooding in the city’s downtown area, the local government has also asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region I to upgrade the existing drainage systems.

The request includes raising the drainage outlets that connect to the river to prevent water from backing up into city streets.

DPWH is also set to rehabilitate several key bridges in the city, including the Pantal Guibang Bridge; Sitio Calamiong Bridge, which has already been measured for construction; and the Salisay Bridge, which connects Dagupan to Mangaldan and is currently under repair.

The mayor reiterated the need for long-term infrastructure solutions as rainfall patterns become more intense due to climate change. She emphasized the importance of coordination between local and national government agencies in responding to more frequent flooding.

“Preparedness is key. We are doing everything we can, from equipment to infrastructure planning, to ensure public safety,” she said.

Meanwhile, City Engineer Josephine Corpuz confirmed that all roads in Dagupan were already flooded, except the main road arteries elevated by the DPWH and the city government.

The current massive flood in Dagupan noticeably spared those already elevated and given wider and bigger drainage system, she said.

She said the mayor had already asked the DPWH to plan for the elevation of A.B. Fernandez from the Quintos Bridge to Burgos Street, which passes by Dagupan City Hall, becoming impassable for light vehicles when the Pantal River overflows.

Steel sheet piles will also be constructed along the Pantal River banks in Pogo Chico, and Lasip Grande and Calmay River banks in Calmay-Carael this year. (Ahikam Pasion/Leonardo Micua)

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