Press Release
October 20, 2011

SENATOR REVILLA WANTS ROAD FUND REALIGNED
FOR FLOOD-CONTROL INFRA

To reduce damage of properties and number of casualties during the onslaught of typhoons, Senate Committee on Public Works Chairman Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. today urged Malacañang to immediately realign the funds intended for road projects to upgrade flood control infrastructures all over the country.

This is the recommendation of the senator after conducting an on-site inspection on the deteriorating Arnedo Dike in Pampanga, which is considered as the province's first line of defense against flooding of Pampanga Province.

According to Bong Revilla, there is an urgency to allocate funds for the improvement of flood-control facilities in the country due to the worsening effect of typhoons. He cited as example the Arnedo Dike, which had already breached, resulting in the flooding of several villages in Pampanga Province. He said he had already inspected the dike six years ago after a severe flooding and he recalled that a section of it had been restored. "Ang Arnedo Dike ay 70 years old na. Talagang kailangang ayusin ulit at patibayin," he said.

Bong Revilla appealed anew to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to make sure that damaged infrastructures, particularly in Pampanga, will be repaired or reconstructed using materials and designs that can withstand the devastating effects of Climate Change. "Sa nakikita natin mahina na halos ang mga dikes that run through Pampanga and stretches back to Nueva Ecija. Dapat talagang i-strengthen o i-climate-change proof. Unahin ang rehabilitation ng setback levee ng Arayat-Apalit Dike. Concentrate on the dredging of Pampanga River towards Manila Bay para mas mabilis ang pagbaba ng tubig galing taas," he explained.

The lawmaker further pointed out that the realignment is only justifiable considering the extent of destruction and distress caused by rising floodwaters. "Floodwaters rose very fast but the recession is getting slower and slower because we are encountering now stronger typhoons. The dilemma being experienced by the affected families, especially the children, is very painful during and after the wrath of the typhoon. This is aside from its negative impact to the national economy. If we want to solve flood problem once and all, we need to allot a fund and we must allot it now," he added.

News Latest News Feed