BALANGA CITY (PIA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with local officials, responded immediately to damage sustained by a dike in Sitio Holy Land, Barangay Tuyo, Balanga City following the heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Crising and the southwest monsoon in Bataan.
DPWH Bataan 2nd District Engineer Roland Rainier Victorino explained that the dike, which was already an aging structure, gave way due to the strong current from the river.
It was inspected on July 24, and temporary sandbagging began the following day, July 25, to prevent further erosion while awaiting funds for full repair.
The damage has been included in the official calamity damage report to secure necessary budget allocation for its restoration.
“Our maintenance crew has started sandbagging operations as a temporary measure. The damaged dike has already been documented in the calamity damage report to facilitate funding for the repair,” Victorino said.
The agency also urged residents to follow evacuation orders issued by local government units to avoid further injuries and losses during emergencies.
Meanwhile, the city government of Balanga, through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, worked alongside Barangay Tuyo officials and other rescuers to evacuate affected residents.
More than 60 individuals, including five families living near the dike, were moved to safety as floodwaters reached nearby homes.
Barangay Captain Eulalio Montifalco Jr. said they responded immediately after receiving a report of a small breach in the dike around noon on July 22.
Despite efforts to patch the hole using sandbags, persistent rains and strong water flow caused the breach to expand, resulting in flooding.
Among the evacuees was 75-year-old dialysis patient Regalado Cuasay, who had to be transported in a large tub by family members due to his limited mobility.
According to his granddaughter, Ashley Culala, Cuasay missed his scheduled dialysis that day and lost some of his medications to the flood.
Cuasay has since received medical attention and remains in an evacuation center along with other affected residents.
Some community members have returned to their homes temporarily to retrieve belongings that can still be saved, while many continue to call for assistance, particularly in the form of clothing, food, and medicines.
“We ask everyone to stay alert and cooperate with authorities, especially if evacuation becomes necessary again,” Captain Montifalco reminded residents.
The local government, in collaboration with national agencies, continues to coordinate aid distribution and accelerate repair plans for the damaged dike to prevent further risks. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)
