Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda has reiterated her long-standing appeal for the desilting of the Pampanga River as a sustainable solution to the province’s worsening flood problem.
This comes after heavy rains from recent typhoons caused widespread flooding and damaged at least ₱432 million worth of infrastructure, according to the Provincial Government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Nanay emphasized the need to desilt the 34-kilometer stretch of the Pampanga River that runs through Arayat, Candaba, Macabebe, Masantol, Lubao, and Sasmuan.
She noted that the river’s decreasing depth, clogged by silt, debris, and waste, has drastically reduced its ability to manage water flow, worsening flood impacts across low-lying areas.
Damage reports include:
- Lubao: Sta. Rita recorded ₱50 million in damage due to collapsed dikes and pavements.
- Floridablanca: ₱70 million, including ₱30 million from collapsed slope protection in Brgy. Sto. Rosario, ₱30 million from a breached dike in San Jose, and ₱10 million in Brgy. Dampe.
- Guagua: ₱50 million in slope protection damage in Ligaya–Talang and Lambac.
- Mabalacat City: ₱10 million in damage to slope protection at Sapang Balen.
- Apalit: ₱30 million in partially damaged roads in San Vicente.
- Candaba: ₱40 million in Paralaya road damage.
- San Simon: ₱132 million in flood control damages.
- Macabebe: ₱25 million in partially damaged flood control.
- Sasmuan: ₱20 million in damaged riprap.
- Minalin: ₱5 million from scoured road shoulders.
DPWH is still assessing the cost of a damaged bridge in Mexico town.
Earlier estimates from DPWH show over ₱1 billion will be needed to rehabilitate and upgrade flood control systems in the province, including river desilting, dike repair, and slope protection enhancement.
Nanay stressed that silted and obstructed waterways, combined with broken canals, are the primary reasons for widespread flooding. She also cited dike breaches in Guagua, Lubao, and Floridablanca that worsened the impact on many communities.
Calling on the national government and concerned agencies, the governor urged immediate action and funding for long-term flood mitigation measures.
“These are not just engineering projects—they’re urgent actions to protect lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure,” she said. “We’re doing everything we can at the provincial level, but real solutions require strong inter-agency collaboration and national support.”
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council continues to monitor the situation, assist affected families, and brace for further weather disturbances. (PIA Region 3–Pampanga)
