By Marie Joy S. Carbungco
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will immediately mobilize an initial P100 million from its Quick Response Fund (QRF) to repair critical sections of Magliman Creek in the City of San Fernando, following an on-site assessment of flood damage caused by the southwest monsoon or Habagat.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon made the commitment during his visit to the affected area beside Villa Del Sol Subdivision on September 22, following an invitation from Mayor Vilma Balle-Caluag to personally see the damaged creek and discuss urgent measures to protect nearby communities.
Portions of the creek’s perimeter protection were damaged by heavy rains and strong water flow, allowing floodwaters to enter the subdivision.
The city government had resorted to sandbagging as a temporary measure while seeking permanent repairs.
Dizon said the QRF will allow the government to begin work on the most vulnerable portions as soon as possible, potentially within the week or early the following week.
“Immediately, ₱100 million from the Quick Response Fund para masimulan na, kung puwede this week or early next week, ang pagsasaayos ng mga area na priority na butas,” he said.
The secretary stressed that repairs should proceed while weather conditions remain favorable to prevent further damage and protect residents from another flooding incident.
“Habang magandang panahon, magtrabaho na tayo,” Dizon said, assuring residents that the national government and the city government are working together to address the problem.
For Caluag, the immediate intervention is necessary to reduce the risk of a more serious disaster during the next rainy season, particularly in areas where the damaged creek perimeter protection has left communities vulnerable.
“Maraming salamat po sa pagbisita sa amin. Nagpapasalamat po kami kay Sec. Vince at sa Pangulo natin, dahil natutugunan na po itong nilatag namin ngayong urgent na kailangang gawin para sa susunod na tag-ulan, wala pong sakunang mangyayari. Kasi pag hindi natin ginawa ngayon ito, sa susunod na tag-ulan baka may casualty na mangyayari dito sa Syudad ng San Fernando,” she said.
The mayor added that the city is prepared to proceed because the proposed creek rehabilitation is already incorporated into its Drainage Master Plan, which was presented to Dizon during the inspection.
“Kaya mabuti na lang po tayo, kumpleto po yung plano natin. May master plan tayo na susundan na lang natin, kaya hindi po problema na makapag-umpisa tayo agad kasi may plano na po tayong sinusunod,” Caluag said.
The master plan covers Magliman Creek and other flood-prone areas in the city as part of a broader strategy for improving drainage and flood protection.
Initial works will include the installation of sheet piles and the construction of a higher protective wall along vulnerable sections.
Dizon also directed the concerned DPWH offices to coordinate with the city and requested its program of works for technical evaluation, with the assistance of DPWH consultants.
Aside from the QRF, Dizon said he would help the city seek Local Government Support Fund assistance while awaiting funding for the full implementation of its Drainage Master Plan.
The immediate repairs are intended to secure the damaged sections ahead of the next rainy season while the city pursues its longer-term flood-management program. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
