Dizon pledges quick-response funds for San Fernando flood repairs

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has pledged Quick Response Fund support for urgent repairs to flood-damaged drainage infrastructure in the city.

The Department of Public Works and Highways said immediate mitigation works will include dredging, desilting and repairs to damaged floodwalls to help protect communities during the rainy season.

Magliman Creek is among the priority areas, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the installation of deeper sheet piles and higher retaining walls to help prevent overflowing and protect Villa Del Sol, St. Jude Village and nearby communities, according to the DPWH.

Dizon inspected the area with Mayor Vilma Balle-Caluag, identifying priority sections stretching from Telabastagan, Alasas and San Isidro to Cabalantian.

Caluag said the full rehabilitation of Magliman Creek is included in the city’s comprehensive Drainage Master Plan, but the project has yet to receive national government funding.

Dizon said Quick Response Fund assistance would be used for immediate repairs while the city awaits funding for the larger project.

He also pledged to help secure a Local Government Support Fund allocation as additional assistance, while funding for the full drainage master plan may only become available next year.

Dizon asked the City Engineer’s Office to submit its program of works for review, with technical assistance from DPWH consultants.

“I appreciate the initiative of the LGU in preparing a plan — that is a big step forward,” Dizon said.

Caluag thanked Dizon for acting on the city’s flood-control concerns.

City Engineer Anele David, City Planning and Development Coordinator Paolo Israel Franco and other DPWH officials also joined the inspection.