Negros Occidental flood prevention bid draws help from DPWH, DENR, DA
BACOLOD CITY—Three national government agencies are joining forces with officials of the third district of Negros Occidental province in a bid to prevent, or reduce, flooding.
Rep. Francisco Benitez, of the third district, said dredging of silted waterways would start on Saturday (Jan. 9) by an amphibious excavator of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Also on Saturday, dredging will start in Talisay City with the use of a dredging machine of the provincial government.
The DPWH has allocated P400 million to build new canals and drainage systems in Victorias City, the area worst hit by flooding on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, according to the congressman.
Dredging of silted waterways in other parts of the third district will follow.
Benitez said the DPWH, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Agriculture (DA) are joining local governments units in drawing up an integrated master plan on flood and water management in the third district.
Nergos Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson urged cities hit by the floods to procure their own dredging machines and keep their waterways clear to prevent flooding.
