CITY OF MALOLOS – After a concerned citizen sent a letter to the Governor airing concerns about the current state of Bulo Dam, Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando personally led the inspection of the dam with representatives from National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on Tuesday at Brgy. Kalawakan, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan to ensure the safety of Bulakenyos.
During the inspection, Fernando found out that the dam sustained damages due to Typhoon Karding. Hence, Engr. Roald Marck Revellame of NIA-Central Office confirmed that all damaged portions including the vortex vane are still under warranty and will be recommended for repairs and further improvements.
“Sa nakita ko, hindi naman gano’n kalaki ‘yung damages, majority ay hindi ganoon kalaki pero siyempre, kailangang agapan ang maliit na problena bago ito lumala. I’m sure na hindi ito pababayaan ng NIA kasi iyon ang hinihingi ko sa kanila, ang concern sa nakararaming Bulakenyo; hindi sa iisang tao lamang o concern sa proyekto lang. Itong mga engineers from NIA ay cooperative naman at alam nila kung ano ‘yung makabubuti, ” the governor stated.
As the provincial chief executive, Fernando took the liberty to suggest further improvements to the dam to make sure that it will serve its purpose and to make sure that it will not cause any harm to the residents.
“Kailangan lang talaga ng improvements kamukha noong nakita ko doon na manipis ‘yung wall sa secondary spillway, at napansin din na mayroong sira at hindi natapos ‘yun energy dissipator ng tunnel type spillway. Kaya suggestion ko na pwedeng lagyan ng extension ng concrete path ang spillway at sa side, l i-rip rap ‘yun bahagi ng bundok at i-reinforce ang wall para maiwasan ang pagguho o landslide lalo kung tumaas ang tubig sa dam,” the governor said.
The officers of Malibay Farmers Irrigators Association were also present during the inspection and vouched that they are not affected by the minor damages in the dam and confirmed that the north canal of Bulo Dam supplies water for more or less 50 hectares in the area.
The south canal will still be improved to serve the target area soon. Fernando was also joined by Provincial Director PCOL. Relly B. Arnedo, Provincial Engineer Glenn Reyes, PDRRMO OIC PCOL. Manuel M. Lukban (Ret), Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Gloria SF. Carrillo, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Gerard Nelson Manalo and Provincial Public Affairs Office Department Katrina Anne B. Balingit.
