Pangasinan town examines solutions in flood inquiry

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan — The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) explored a long-term plan to reduce flooding, including river clearing, dredging, drainage improvements, and upgrades to bridges and spillways during an inquiry on Tuesday.

The council investigation stemmed from a privilege speech by Councilor Cirilo Radoc, who asked for an examination of the causes of Alaminos flooding. 

The city had experienced heavy floods from August to the first week of September due to rains brought by the southwest monsoon and a succession of tropical storms.

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Vice Mayor Anton Perez, the council’s presiding officer, said the city needed a plan that would extend beyond individual projects and align with programs of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other government agencies.

“The goal is to discuss the problems faced by each barangay and then come up with a city plan. Even if it takes 10 years, we need to prepare for it,” Perez said.

The city was concerned about clogged, shallow waterways, inadequate drainage, overflowing river crossings, siltation and debris, and limited outlets for floodwater to reach the sea.

Barangay officials reported flooding in areas including Polo, Tangcarang, Pogo, Amandiego, Poblacion, Victoria and Pandan.

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In Barangay Polo, Punong Barangay Larry Montenegro said portions of the river had become shallow because of accumulated soil, bamboo, and other debris, particularly near a bridge.

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At Quibuar Bridge, Punong Barangay William Vinluan said heavy rains caused water to overflow, obstructing the route to Linmansangan and Macatiw. He recalled an incident when responders were unable to reach a patient who needed to be taken to a hospital because of the flood

Vinluan proposed raising or improving the bridge to keep the route accessible during heavy rains.

Assistant City Engineer Roland Ranches said flooding should be addressed as an interconnected problem involving drainage, development, and natural waterways. He cited river clearing and dredging, particularly in the delta, where silt, trees, bamboo and other debris have accumulated.

The DPWH office in Pangasinan said it had requested dredging equipment from its Ilocos regional office, but none was currently available. It also sought funds for the work, estimated at P50 million to P100 million,  depending on the volume of materials to be removed.

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“The flooding problem will not be solved by a single project. We need a plan, coordination, and sustained action,” Perez said./coa