THE P778-million flood control project in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental was finally inaugurated Tuesday, July 9.

The project is loaned by the Philippine government from Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) with a loan agreement term of 30 years.

The structure involves the construction of a 692-meter upstream and 1.9-kilometer downstream revetment as well as excavation works and drainage improvement.

“The completion of Tagoloan Flood Control Project is very timely, makakatulog na ng mahimbing at walang pangamba ang ating mga kababayan sa Misamis Oriental sapagkat alam nilang ligtas na sila sa banta ng mataas na baha,” Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar said.

Villar said the project will prosper economic growth in the area as well as protect residents of Tagoloan from disasters.

He said the Tagoloan project is only among the flood risk management projects implemented by the DPWH to mitigate flood damage in vulnerable areas within 3 principal river systems of lower Cagayan, Imus, and Tagoloan.

Also present during the inauguration were Misamis Oriental Governor Bambi Emano, officials from Jica, and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda. (With Lynde Salgados)