SEAWALL CONSTRUCTION. Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc (leftmost) and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways inspect the seawall construction in Barangay Paayas, Burgos town on Oct. 17, 2023. Various flood-control structures are being constructed in the province to safeguard coastal communities from storm-generated waves. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte)
LAOAG CITY – Residents of Ilocos Norte’s coastal towns welcomed the start of the construction of a multi-million-peso seawall that spans the villages from Nalbo in Pasuquin town to Barangay Paayas in neighboring Burgos town.
“With the construction of the seawall, we are better prepared during calamities because this will serve as our first line of defense against storm surge and seawater rise,” Estancia village chief, Romel Ranay, said in an interview on Tuesday.
The Department of Public Works and Highways was granted an initial funding of about PHP28 million for Phase 1 of the seawall project, which is expected to be completed next year.
In support of Ilocos Norte’s resiliency and disaster preparedness efforts, other flood-control structures are being constructed in various parts of the province to prevent coastal erosion and protect the homes and livelihood of local communities frequently visited by typhoons.
Some of these projects are located in the first district of Ilocos Norte, such as in this city and the towns of Bacarra, Pasuquin, Burgos, and Pagudpud.
In Pasuquin, about 23 families in the village of Caruan were earlier advised to relocate due to threats posed by storm-generated waves and other adverse weather circumstances.
During inclement weather, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction, Management and Resiliency Council monitors the villages in vulnerable areas to immediately implement forced evacuation if needed. (PNA)
