P41-M more okayed for flood control projects in Pampanga

LUBAO, Pampanga — The national government has set aside an additional P41 million for flood control projects in Pampanga, Vice Gov. Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo said yesterday.

In a statement, Arroyo said the additional budget is an indication of the strong desire of the administration of President Arroyo to once and for all solve the perennial floodings in Pampanga in order to speed up its growth and development.

Earlier, the national government had allocated more than P600 million for major flood control projects in Pampanga.

The projects include the P500-million desilting of the Guagua-Pasac River and improvement of canals and the drainage system, costing P90 million, in the provincial capitol in San Fernando City, Arroyo said.

The young Arroyo, who was instrumental in the approval of the multimillion-peso budgets for the flood control projects, said the additional P41 million will be for vital flood control work at the Pasac Delta Area.

The projects entail the declogging and removal of deposited materials from various rivers and creeks, and improvement of dikes and related works, including right-of-way acquisition and maintenance of dredging equipment.