The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has successfully completed three significant revetment projects in Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, and Masbate Provinces, bolstering flood defenses in critical seaside and riverside communities. These projects, aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Build, Better, More” Program, are a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure for disaster resilience and community safety.
DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan confirmed that the projects, completed early this year, are now effectively preventing flooding in Barangay Tabuco, Naga City, Camarines Sur; Barangay Bitan-o, Sorsogon City; and Barangays San Antonio and Diotay, Balud, Masbate.
“These flood control structures are vital for the safety and well-being of our communities in the Bicol Region,” said Secretary Bonoan. “They represent a proactive approach to protecting lives and livelihoods from the increasing threats of flooding, directly supporting the President’s vision for a more resilient Philippines.”
DPWH Region V Director Virgilio C. Eduarte provided details on each completed project:
- Naga City, Camarines Sur: A 1.08-kilometer flood mitigation structure was implemented to prevent the overflowing of the river in Barangay Tabuco. The project involved driving steel sheet piles, constructing hand-laid rock embankments, concrete foundations, grouted riprap, and concrete slope protection.
- Sorsogon City, Sorsogon: A 470-linear meter seawall and a 226.9-linear meter river control structure now protect a coastal community near the Sorsogon City Coastal Road.
- Balud, Masbate: A 260-linear meter flood control structure was built, with 130 meters on each side of the river dividing Barangay San Antonio and Diotay, providing crucial protection to both communities.
These vital flood control projects, totaling P340.45 million, were meticulously carried out by the DPWH Camarines Sur 3rd, Sorsogon 1st, and Masbate 2nd District Engineering Offices. Their completion marks a significant step forward in safeguarding vulnerable areas in the Bicol Region against the impacts of severe weather and rising water levels.
