Bicol: Three major revetment projects to serve as flood defenses for seaside and riverside areas in the Bicol region, worth over PHP300 million, have been completed, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported Friday. The projects, which were finalized early this year, are designed to prevent flooding in Barangay Tabuco, Naga City, Camarines Sur; Barangay Bitan-o, Sorsogon City; and Barangays San Antonio and Diotay, Balud, Masbate.
According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Manuel Bonoan stated that the flood control projects amounting to PHP340.45 million were executed by the DPWH Camarines Sur 3rd, Sorsogon 1st, and Masbate 2nd District Engineering Offices. DPWH Region V Director Virgilio Eduarte highlighted that the project in Naga City is a 1.08-kilometer flood mitigation structure, which includes driving steel sheet piles, hand-laid rock embankment, concrete foundation, grouted riprap construction, and concrete slope protection. This infrastructure now prevents the river from overflowing, safeguarding the low-lying areas of Barangay Tabuco.
Eduarte also mentioned that the completed project in Sorsogon City consists of a 470-linear meter seawall and a 226.9-linear meter river control, benefiting the coastal community near Sorsogon City Coastal Road. Additionally, a new 260-linear meter flood control structure, or 130 meters on each side of the river, has been completed in Masbate, dividing Barangay San Antonio and Diotay.
These projects align with one of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ‘Build, Better, More’ Program’s objectives to enhance infrastructure for disaster resilience and community safety.