LUBAO, Pampanga (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered immediate and long-term measures to prevent debris from blocking waterways and mitigate flooding following his inspection of the Sto. Cristo Dam in Barangay Sta. Rita, Lubao, Pampanga on Wednesday, September 2.
He inspected the area after heavy rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, caused large volumes of water and debris from the Zambales mountain ranges to flow downstream on Saturday, August 29.
The President said the dam itself was not damaged but was blocked by debris, including logs, causing the water to change its course and damage a portion of the riverbank and nearby structures.
“Hindi naman pala na-damage ‘yung dam. Kung hindi, ang nangyari nabara dahil hindi basura kundi ‘yung debris, mga troso na siguro nagpuputol sila na illegal logging sa taas, bumababa rito, nabara ngayon ‘yung dam, umikot ‘yung tubig,” Marcos said.
He noted that the diverted water created another path, which damaged a wall and affected a nearby house.
“Dahil nga umiwas na doon sa dam, gumawa ng sariling daanan dito. Sinira ‘yung wall natin kasi galing na sa likod ‘yung tubig,” he said.
To address the immediate concern, the Chief Executive ordered the reconstruction of the damaged wall and the installation of barriers upstream to prevent logs and other debris from reaching the dam.
“Kaya’t ang gagawin natin ay itatayo natin ‘yang wall na ‘yan ulit at maglalagay naman tayo ng Sabo Dam sa upstream nitong ating dam,” he said.
The President said temporary barriers would first be put in place while longer-term measures are being studied to keep the waterway clear during heavy rains.
“At for now, immediate na magagawa natin ay maglagay muna nung harang para kung ano man ‘yung—kung basura man, kung troso man, kung ano man—ay hindi na bababa hanggang mabara ang dam,” Marcos said.
He also directed concerned agencies to assess other dams and determine where similar measures could be implemented, depending on the conditions and practicality of each location.
“Lahat ng dam natin ngayon kailangan na natin maglagay ng ganyan sa mga upstream ay lalagyan natin pagka praktikal, kung tama ay lalagyan natin ng Sabo Dam,” he said.
The President also gave an update on the flooding situation along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), saying water levels were beginning to recede and travel time on the northbound lane had improved.
“Mayroon kaming latest report sa NLEX naman na mukhang bumababa na ang tubig at ang northbound ay less than one hour na ang pagbiyahe,” he said.
Marcos said the southbound portion remained affected because of its lower elevation and that the government was studying ways to redirect floodwater, including the possible excavation of areas where water could flow away from the highway.
These measures underscore the administration’s continuing efforts to strengthen flood-control infrastructure and improve disaster preparedness, particularly in communities and vital transport routes vulnerable to heavy rainfall and flooding.
