The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Pampanga officials have joined forces to pursue immediate, medium-term, and long-term measures addressing the province’s persistent flooding problem.
During a meeting led by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, a comprehensive Flood Management Plan was presented to reduce the impact of flooding on communities, major roads, livelihoods, and the local economy.
Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda expressed the provincial government’s full support for the proposed measures, noting the unified efforts of local mayors in finding solutions that can provide immediate relief and long-term protection to repeatedly flooded areas.
⚡ 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
Three key interventions were identified:
✅ Close gaps along the Tulaoc River using FlexMac flood barriers
✅ Dredge existing waterways to improve water flow
✅ Pump accumulated floodwater toward waterways through pumping systems
Funding and immediate interventions were also highlighted for the San Fernando–Sto. Tomas–Minalin Tail Dike, Setback Levee in San Simon, Arnedo Dike in Macabebe, and sections of MacArthur Highway in Apalit.
Officials also discussed the damaged tail dike in Minalin, which could affect seven barangays and an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 residents.
The rising water level along Quezon Road was likewise raised as a concern, as the route serves as an alternative when traffic is heavy or portions of the North Luzon Expressway become impassable due to flooding.
🏞️ Detention Basins for the Medium Term
For medium-term flood control, the DPWH plans to establish detention basins in San Simon and other areas.
These facilities will temporarily store excess floodwater before gradually releasing it into nearby waterways, following the “store, drain and release” concept.
The detention basins will preferably be located near rivers and areas with suitable slopes to facilitate drainage. Pumping systems may also be used when necessary.
Aside from flood control, stored water could potentially serve as surface water and provide additional irrigation supply.
Dizon emphasized the need for cooperation between the provincial and local governments, particularly in securing right-of-way and necessary permits, so excavation and other works can begin as soon as weather conditions improve.
🏗️ 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬
Among the long-term projects being pursued are:
🔹 Central Luzon–Pampanga Floodway Project, including an estimated 60-kilometer floodway
🔹 12,000-hectare ring dike project
🔹 Construction of silt or “sabo” dams in Nueva Ecija
🔹 Manila Bay Integrated Flood Control, Coastal Defense and Expressway Project, currently undergoing a pre-feasibility study
Dizon noted that some of these major long-term projects could take up to 20 years to fully implement.
He stressed the need for immediate action while permanent solutions are being developed to prevent further escalation of flooding impacts on Pampanga communities.
