PAGADIAN CITY, Sept 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH-9) has recorded 40-50% completion of its 59 projects under the Flood Management Program, including Flood Control Structures and Slope Protections in Zamboanga Peninsula.
DPWH-9 Engr. Mark Anthony P. Rebollos said the Flood Management Program is split into 9 districts, totaling PHP4.722 billion and will benefit residents of the region once completed. Zamboanga del Norte has 17 projects in its three districts, while Zamboanga Sibugay has another 17 in its two districts. Zamboanga del Sur has 11 projects in both districts, Zamboanga City has 10 projects and Isabela City, Basilan has four projects.
With the program, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (RDRRM) seeks the improvement and sustenance of the natural resources and ecosystem integrity to protect lives and properties against major floods and landslides. It also strives to improve the structural integrity of the infrastructure.
However, Engr. Rebollos stressed that the adverse weather condition is a challenge in the implementation of the projects, as well as the issue of accessibility to the site that affects the mobility of materials and equipment.
In the 3rd Quarter Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee Meeting, recently, PAGASA Zamboanga City officer-In-Change Rodel Inclan reported that La Niña re-strengthened and is forecasted to continue until December 2022 to January and February of 2023. Seven (7) to 11 tropical cyclones are also expected to enter and develop in the Philippine Area of Responsibility from September 2022 to February 2023.
PAGASA assured that it will continue to closely monitor the forecast weather condition and will issue updates and advisories as appropriate to help speed up the construction of the projects under the Flood Management Program.
In the meantime, DPWH-9 continues to ask for the RDRRMC’s provision and updating of data identifying locations susceptible to flooding, landslide and the like to serve as basis in the formulation of Flood Management Program. (RVC/CCP/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
