Arayat, Pampanga – The Provincial Government is focusing its efforts on protecting the community in Barangay Candating from the dangers posed by the continued deterioration of the slope protection along the Pampanga River.

During a site visit on July 30, Governor Lilia Pineda said continuous rain and flooding from the Pampanga River have worsened the damage to the slope protection, especially after three tropical storms and the southwest monsoon battered the region.

Last year, a portion of the P91-million slope protection structure caved in, endangering the lives of residents and prompting some to abandon their homes near the site. At that time, 26 houses were at risk of being destroyed.

The governor also distributed food packs and assistance to some 387 affected families.

The Provincial Government is set to coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to repair the slope protection and dredge the river to prevent further damage to the area.

Afterwards, the governor inspected a building at the Mexico Isolation Facility, which will be converted into a temporary field hospital or extension of the San Luis District Hospital.

Pineda said the Provincial Government is preparing the facility to accommodate the expected influx of patients who may have contracted diseases as floodwaters recede in Pampanga. She inspected every room to ensure the building is capable of housing patients.

The facility can accommodate 20 patients and will feature an urgent care cooperative, emergency room, laboratory, pharmacy, and outpatient services. It is expected to open this week.

Provincial Health Office Head Dr. Daax Tidula, PDRRMO Head Janica Yambao, and PSWDO Head Fe Manarang accompanied the governor during the inspection.