Bulacan flood damage tops P320-M

Bulacan has sustained P320.28 million in damage from recent storms and flooding, with eight localities still affected by floodwaters as of 23 August.

Gov. Daniel Fernando reported during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Central Luzon briefing at the Pampanga Provincial Capitol that the damage included P135.64 million in agriculture and fisheries, P4.64 million in livestock and poultry and P180 million in infrastructure.

Flooding remained in the cities of Malolos and Meycauayan and the municipalities of Calumpit, Hagonoy, Bocaue, Balagtas, Paombong and Bulakan.

Zambales Gov. Hermogenes “Jun” Ebdane Jr., chair of the Regional Development Council III, also reported widespread damage across Central Luzon from the enhanced southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng.

Agricultural losses across the region reached P933.7 million, affecting 22,647 farmers and fisherfolk and 22,684 hectares.

Production losses reached 27,120.55 metric tons, while 17,187 livestock and poultry were lost.

“Kailangan din nating maunawaan na hindi lang dahil sa problema ng flood control project ang dahilan, kung hindi pati talaga sa lakas ng ulan na hindi pa natin nakita sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas,” Marcos said.

The President said climate change must be factored into the government’s long-term disaster management and infrastructure planning.

Marcos cited plans for five Sabo River Dam projects to trap sediment and increase water storage for household, industrial and agricultural use.

The government is also studying a proposed 100-kilometer dike road intended to help block coastal waters from Manila Bay.