MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – A flood mitigation structure worth PHP182.6 million is expected to protect houses of residents and agricultural lands in Barangay Kita-Kita in Balungao town, Pangasinan following its completion this year.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Department of Public Works and Highways-Ilocos Region information officer Esperanza Tinaza said the flood control mitigation structure along the Cabalancian River spans a total length of 826 meters, which include pile driving of structural sheet piles as the foundation that strengthens the flood defense system in the area.
“Residents of Barangay Kita-Kita in Balungao, Pangasinan, now feel safer with the assurance of protection against potential flooding,” she said.
The project, funded under this year’s national budget, was started on Feb. 26 and was completed on June 30
“This flood mitigation initiative is expected to bring substantial benefits, including improved safety, economic stability, and environmental protection. It is a significant step towards enhancing community safety and resilience. With proper management and ongoing community and environmental considerations, the project is set to provide lasting benefits in terms of economic stability, environmental protection, and social well-being,” Tinaza said.
Barangay Kita-Kita chairman Federico Mariano, in a phone interview, said they hope that the infrastructure project would shield the agricultural lands in the village from flooding.
He said the village is the catch basin of water from the mountains and other villages but the flood water recedes fast.
“We hope they would also construct the same on the southern part of our village, which is usually the flooded area,” he said in Filipino. (PNA)
