ILOILO City – Brgy. Natividad in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo and its neighboring communities were once flood-prone area wherein agricultural products as well as properties of the locales were at stake when heavy rains occur, also putting their lives in danger.
Hence, with the construction of a revetment walls along Barotac Viejo River, residents in the barangays along the river are now at ease even during this rainy season.
According to Assistant District Engineer Renato H. Cogollo of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo Third District Engineering Office (DEO), continuous construction of revetment walls was implemented along Barotac Viejo River.
“We have constructed a 307.0-lineal meter revetment wall in the amount of P36.6 million in 2015; and 370.0 lineal meters in 2016 in the amount of P46.316 million; while this year, we are implementing the construction of 310.83 lineal meters and 252.69 lineal meters revetment walls amounting to P36.650 million and P23.079 million, respectively,” said Cogollo.
Cogollo added that under its Regular Maintenance Fund, DPWH Iloilo 3rd DEO has also implemented the rehabilitation/construction of flood control projects in Brgy. Poblacion in the amount of P5.0 million in 2016 and P6.0 million in 2017.
“With this river control, residents can go on with their agricultural activities even if heavy rains occur, without worrying of the flash flood that may damage their crops and properties,” Cogollo said.
“Constructing these flood control systems will not only prevent the possible damage a flood may bring to the livelihood and properties of the people in these flood-prone areas but would keep them safe from harm,” he added.