According to Hizon, farmers in the area may also benefit from the check gates as the water coming from the Gugu creek would serve as irrigation for crops.
"It's a case of turning tragedy into an opportunity as floodwaters which have threaten lives and properties of villagers in four highly populated barangays may be used irrigating the farmers'crops," Hizon said.
The Liga chair aired his suggestion during his meeting with members of the BRC at the Department of Public Works and Highways Central Luzon office on Monday.
Hizon said the proposed armoring of the Gugu Ring Dike, which covers barangays Cabalantian, Mesalipit, Talba, and Tinajero, will be beneficial to farmers here tilling 1,500 hectares of farm lands in this lahar-devastated town.
Hizon also asked the BRC to incorporate in the Bacolor rehabilitation master plan the construction of some 28 water gates along the 3.5 kilometer stretch of the Gugu dike from Cabalantian to Mesalipit.
He explained that the 1,500 hectares of land could produce 75,000 cavans of palay in one harvest and 225,000 cavans a year. "This will also help in the food security program of the National Government."
Hizon disclosed that he has already constructed one water gate in Barangay Cabalantian -- a thickly populated village that has some 2,400 residents at present.
"We hope the BRC will consider our proposal will not only save lives and properties but will be a source of livelihood for the people," he said.
He added that he will further discuss his proposal to Third District Congressman Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales, who authored the Bacolor Rehabilitation Act 9506, during the BRC meeting next week. (Chris Navarro)
