TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija (PIA) — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) built a total of P603.1 million worth of flood protection structures along Labong River in Licab and Guimba, Nueva Ecija.
Since 2016, Nueva Ecija 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) completed a total of 4,239.65 lineal meters of connected bank protection walls with 3,326.65 lineal meters situated in barangay Villarosa, Licab and 913 lineal meters at barangay Caingin Tabing Ilog, Guimba.
District Engineer Armando Manabat emphasized that the agency is committed in protecting lives and properties from natural disasters by fortifying the riverbanks of Labong River.
DPWH Nueva Ecija 1st recently completed the construction of a P91.6-million, 440-lineal meter revetment wall in the upstream section of the river in barangay Caingin Tabing Ilog, which is the third component of the flood control project.
The DEO built a 218-lineal meter structure in 2019 followed by a 255-lineal meter structure in 2020, both of which are located along the Guimba section of the river.
Manabat assured that the construction of these flood control structures will serve their purpose effectively.
DPWH Nueva Ecija 1st even included a 2.5-meter retaining wall in the scope of work to provide an additional layer of protection.
“As one of the flood-prone areas in Nueva Ecija, the frequent occurrence of disasters has a negative impact on the local economy and cause anxiety among residents. With the completion of the protection wall construction, the community can now anticipate a reduction, if not complete elimination, of the severe damages caused by typhoons,” Manabat added.
P100 million was earmarked under the 2023 national budget for the construction of river walls in the Licab section of the river.
The Planning and Design Section of the DEO has proposed the fourth phase of the barangay Caingin Tabing Ilog flood control structure to be included in the 2024 budget, indicating that further measures are being taken to ensure the safety and protection of the residents in the flood-prone areas. (CLJD-PIA 3)
