Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda launched his vice gubernatorial campaign on Wednesday with a strong commitment to strengthening flood control measures in the coastal towns of Masantol and Macabebe.

Pineda, who played a key role in securing major flood mitigation projects completed last year by South Korea and San Miguel Corporation (SMC), emphasized the importance of protecting residents and the local aquaculture industry, which serves as the primary livelihood for thousands.

“Kahit po sanay na ang mga kabalen natin sa baha, kailangan po nating protektahan ang kanilang buhay at kabuhayan dahil sa climate change na nagdudulot ng mas grabeng bagyo, pagbaha, o tagtuyot,” Pineda told supporters before leading a motorcade in Barangay Consuelo, Macabebe.

Joining the event were 4th District Rep. Dr. Anna York Bondoc, Provincial Board Member candidates Dr. Kaye Naguit and Nestor “Bay” Tolentino, Nanay Party List first nominee Ananias “Jun” Canlas, Minalin Mayor Philip Naguit, Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco (LMP-Pampanga President), and Macabebe Mayor Vince Flores.

At various stops, residents welcomed the motorcade with cheers of “Nanay!” in support of Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, who is running for governor.

Strengthening Flood Control Measures

Pineda and Bondoc previously inaugurated the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Project – Stage 1 (IDRR-CCA 1) in Masantol in August 2024, a collaboration between the South Korean and Philippine governments. This project was designed to mitigate the lingering effects of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, which silted and obstructed major waterways.

Stage 2 of IDRR-CCA is expected to significantly reduce flooding in Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, and Sto. Tomas, cutting flood duration from 68 days to just 17 days.

SMC’s River Cleanup Efforts

Complementing these efforts, SMC’s “Better Rivers PH” program completed a massive cleanup of the Pampanga River in late 2024. Led by SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang, the initiative removed nearly 700,000 tons of silt and waste from a 26.3-kilometer stretch, deepening the river channels and improving water flow to mitigate flooding.

Macabebe Vice Mayor Vince Flores praised the project, citing its significant impact on reducing floods and protecting key infrastructure.

In August 2023, Pineda also secured SMC’s assistance in desilting the mouth of the Pampanga River, which had become heavily clogged after successive typhoons caused widespread flooding.

Pineda reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing more flood control initiatives to safeguard the lives, livelihoods, and economic stability of Pampanga’s coastal communities.