Fourth District Representative Anna York Bondoc disclosed on Friday that only six percent of the target dredging operations at the mouth of the Pampanga River has been completed. Bondoc made the statement following her recent inspection of the ongoing dredging operations in Macabebe town.
Inspection and stakeholders
The lawmaker was assisted by personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Coast Guard, and officials of the municipalities of Macabebe and Masantol.
18-month halt due to equipment loan
Bondoc said the dredging operations were halted for about 18 months after an operation equipment was borrowed by the Philippine Navy and the Navotas Fire Station. "Matapos ang 18 buwang paghinto ng dredging operations, muli na itong isinusulong. Sa kasalukuyan, 6% pa lamang ng target dredging ang natatapos," Bondoc said.
Project gains momentum
Despite the delay, Bondoc said the project is expected to gain momentum with four dredgers now back in operation. She also said the DPWH Central Office has released P85-million for diesel fuel to accelerate the project. "Inaasahan ang mas mabilis na catch-up dahil may sapat nang pondo para sa operasyon," Bondoc said.
Importance of dredging
Bondoc explained the importance of dredging in restoring the river's capacity and reducing the risk of flooding. She said that rivers naturally become shallower over time due to the buildup of silt, sand, and lahar on the riverbed. "Naiiwan ito sa river bed hanggang maging silted o mababaw na ang ilog, meaning puno na ng putik ang ilog. Kapag umulan, ang tubig ay nasa lupa na dahil puno na ang ilog. We need to desilt at tanggalin ang solids sa ilog," she said.
Use of dredged debris
Bondoc added that dredged debris may be used as filling materials. She encouraged interested individuals to coordinate with the Macabebe local government for arrangements. She clarified, however, that dredging is not the only solution to flooding. "This is not a permanent solution. It’s only one of the essential components ng flood control," Bondoc said.
