Public Works set to demolish houses along river

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A total of 698 shanties, houses, and other illegal structures established along the Pampanga River in towns of Macabebe and Masantol are set to be demolished by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

This came as DPWH started the initial implementation of the Supreme Court‘s decision involving the cleanup of waterways from Pampanga Bay all the way to the mouth of Manila Bay.

The higher court ordered DPWH and other attached agencies to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve Manila Bay in order to restore and maintain its waters for the next generation.

Demolition will also cover at least 233.571 hectares dedicated to fishing industry, a portion of the High Water Channel (HWC) located within the municipal waters in Macabebe town.

Antonio Molano Jr., DPWH regional director, said that some 40 houses and illegal structures in Macabebe town were already dismantled.

Molano explained that all connected rivers and waterways that eventually exit to Manila bay should be cleared from any obstructions.

Macabebe Mayor Annette Balgan in a previous interview, told Sun.Star Pampanga that in Barangay San Esteban alone, a place near the mouth of Manila Bay, more than 50 hectares have been occupied by illegal fishponds.

She also stated that during dry season, they cannot pass through going to the mouth of Manila Bay except during high tide.

It was learned that the fishing structures also prevent the free flow of water from Pampanga River down to Manila Bay.