In a decisive move to address a decades-long environmental and humanitarian challenge, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos conducted an on-site assessment in the coastal municipalities of Paombong and Hagonoy.
The high-level visit aims to fast-track immediate and long-term engineering interventions to alleviate chronic flooding that has long plagued residents and businesses in the province.
The inspection follows a direct directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who mandated the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to prioritize the urgent repair and rehabilitation of dilapidated and compromised flood control structures across Bulacan.
To deliver swift relief and sustainable protection, the national government has outlined a multi-phase approach:
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Immediate Structural Repairs: Implementation of emergency measures to seal and close collapsed flood-control barriers in critical coastal zones.
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Expert Collaboration: Partnering with top hydrology, civil engineering, and environmental experts to evaluate existing structural integrity and failures.
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Long-Term Master Planning: Conducting comprehensive feasibility studies for resilient, future-proof interventions designed to withstand rising tides and severe weather events.
“President Marcos has made it crystal clear that the plight of Bulacan residents cannot wait,” said Secretary Dizon during the briefing. “We are mobilizing all necessary resources for immediate patching and structural closure while simultaneously designing permanent solutions with our engineering experts.”
Cabinet Secretary Abalos emphasized the administration’s whole-of-government commitment, noting that coordinated social and infrastructure support will accompany the engineering works to protect vulnerable families living along the coastal communities.
The DPWH expects initial emergency closure works to commence immediately, with progressive updates to be shared with local government units and affected communities.
