SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga ,Philippines – Gov. Lilia Pineda said yesterday the provincial government will give priority to the immediate clearing of waterways to solve the perennial flooding problem in the province.
The clearing, dredging and cleaning of clogged waterways especially along the downstream portion of Pampanga River should be immediately undertaken to prevent and minimize flooding in various parts of the province, Pineda said.
She said the provincial government would also purchase loaders, bulldozers, backhoe, dredgers and other needed heavy equipment for the waterways clearing project, including equipment for the removal of water hyacinths, using the calamity fund of the province.
“The calamity funds should be properly utilized on projects which have long term benefits to our province and to our people and should not merely be spent on relief goods and other temporary measures,” the lady governor said.
The governor, together with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) head Art Punsalan and other concerned provincial and municipal officials recently completed the conduct of aerial inspection in Pampanga River, Abacan River, FVR mega dike and other major waterways in the province.