“Dredging is a temporary yet effective solution to flooding” – Fernando

CITY OF MALOLOS– While he’s fully aware that dredging of local rivers is not the permanent solution to flooding in the province, Governor Daniel R. Fernando acknowledged that it is a crucial component to prevent extensive flooding in Bulacan.

“Paglalagay talaga ng dike ang permanenteng solusyon sa pagbaha. Pero pansamantala, habang hindi pa ito nasisimulan, ito muna ang ating ginagawa para maibsan ang paghihirap ng mga tao,” the governor said.

Despite the rain, the governor, together with Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro and Congressman Danilo Domingo, inspected the ongoing dredging projects at Balite Creek in Balite, City of Malolos; Apulid Creek in Longos, City of Malolos; Sapang Bangkal in San Isidro, Hagonoy; and Hagonoy River in San Agustin, Hagonoy yesterday.

Aside from these, the Provincial Government of Bulacan in partnership with Cong. Domingo also has ongoing dredging projects in Bulihan, Barihan, Santissima Trinidad, and Mojon, all in the City of Malolos. These eight locations have a target volume of 35,000 cubic meters in total.

Fernando mentioned that he already met with local officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and they have committed to build dikes, pumping stations, and flood gates, and elevate river walls in the province.

He also said that PGB through the Provincial Engineer’s Office headed by Engr. Glenn Reyes will procure at least four additional backhoe dredgers by the end of the year.

Fernando is also asking for help from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and DPWH; and the local government units to procure backhoe to augment the situation.

Aside from this, the governor is also soliciting support in terms of providing additional equipment from private companies to address the province’s long battle with flood.

To end, Fernando called on the Bulakenyos to take their part in protecting the environment by not throwing wastes on bodies of water that could incur damages to the province.

“Itong lahat ng ginagawa natin ngayon ay mawawalan ng saysay kung patuloy pa rin po nating sisirain ang ating kapaligiran. Tayo po sa pamahalaan ay ginagawa ang lahat ng pamamaraan upang matulungan ang ating kababayan. Kayo naman pong ating mga kalalawigan, gawin rin po natin ang ating parte upang mapigil ang lubos na pagkasira ng ating kalikasan,” Fernando said.