City authorities reveal flood plans

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The local government unit (LGU) said it has developed plans to alleviate the flooding problem in the capital.

Mayor Vilma Caluag recently met with representatives from various sectors of the community, including officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., and the Multi-Sectoral Governance Council (MSGC), to come up with a plan to deal with floods similar to the recent incidents that left the main road in the city flooded and impassable for light vehicles.

One proposal involves developing a master drainage plan that will enable appropriate diversion of water from roads and towns to canals and tributaries during heavy rains.

It is also planned to regularly allocate funds for flood mitigation projects to ensure the continuity of construction work, the purchase of necessary infrastructure and equipment, and the maintenance of existing resources.

Caluag said a technical working group, made up of representatives from the LGU and MSGC, will be established to guide the city’s efforts to mitigate the effects of flooding.

The TWG will be tasked with developing short-term and long-term flood prevention plans.

Caluag added that the DPWH, national government agencies, provincial governments and key sectors are encouraged to provide information on the comprehensive flood management approach.

Aside from the actions taken by the local government, Caluag also reiterated that the DPWH has completed a PHP 1.8 billion Flood Control Master Plan.