CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the Department of Public Works and Highways to take the initiative in developing a province-wide masterplan to effectively address floodings in Pampanga.
“To ensure a sustainable solution to the flooding challenges in our province, it is crucial that the DPWH leads the development of an integrated flood mitigation strategy encompassing both upstream and downstream areas,” said PamCham former president and current director for infra development Rene Romero in a letter to DPWH Region 3 director Roseller A. Tolentino on Aug. 19. PamCham president Teresa David-Carlos duly noted the letter.
PamCham’s call was prompted by the severe floodings caused by Typhoon Carina on July 24 and the monsoon rains on Aug. 1.
Romero cited that in a subsequent meeting convened by Mayor Vilma Balle-Caluag, DPWH-3 assistant director Melquiades H. Sto. Domingo presented the flood mitigation plan for the City of San Fernando.
“However, it became evident that addressing flood concerns in the capital city alone, without a coordinated effort across all cities and municipalities in Pampanga, would be insufficient,” Romero said.
Hence, he noted, the need for “a contiguous plan covering the entire province is necessary to effectively manage water flow and protect both urban and rural communities from future flood risks.”
“We respectfully urge your office to consider taking the lead in coordinating this comprehensive effort, and we assure you of our full support in this initiative,” the business leader said.
“Together, we can establish a flood control system that is both efficient and sustainable for the entire province,” enthused Romero. Punto News Team.
