CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The former three-term mayor of Candaba, Pampanga has expressed public support to the construction of a water-impounding system in the Candaba Swamp proposed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during a situation briefing at the provincial Capitol last Monday,
Jerry Pelayo, also twice president of the Pampanga Mayors League, said that even in his time at the LGU, he had already seen water impounding as a long-term solution to the “perennial and persistent flooding” in Pampanga and Central Luzon.
“When I was a mayor, I already suggested in a regional development council meeting that a ring dike is needed to collect the rainwater. I’m with the president on this matter. This could also be beneficial for aquaculture, irrigation for farmers, and tourism as well,” he said in a recent media interview.
A hands-on leader during his tenure as Candaba mayor, Pelayo said the proposed water-impounding project not only mitigate perennial flooding also provide a boost to local industries, including farming, and tourism.
The former mayor who is also a known advocate of agricultural development expressed disappointment over Pampanga 4th District Rep. Ana York Bondoc’s strong opposition to the water-impounding proposal expressed directly before the president.
“I am embarrassed about Congresswoman Bondoc’s agitated behavior and she obviously did not understand the national government’s suggestion. Dredging, as the congresswoman suggested, is just a temporary solution and very costly,” Pelayo said.
“Her behavior was inciting and very unbecoming of a hospitable Kapampangan,” he added.
Pelayo urged all stakeholders to consider the long-term benefits of the impounding water project over temporary and costly measures.
He also called for unity and cooperation among local leaders to closely monitor each LGU’s solid waste management in order to avoid dumping garbage along waterways, and effectively address the recurrent flooding issue in the region.
The former mayor’s endorsement of President Marcos Jr.’s plan, he said, “underscores my commitment to practical and sustainable solutions to local problems, and my belief in the potential of Candaba and the larger Pampanga region. Punto News Team
