CITY OF SAN FERNANDO —President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pushing for short term and long term solutions to address the flooding problems in Pampanga and sections of the North Luzon Expressway.
Marcos led a briefing of line agencies yesterday at the Provincial Capitol of Pampanga.
The president said that for the short term solutions, dredging projects on the Pampanga River should be looked into.
Governor Dennis Pineda suggested that the dredging of the Pampanga River should continue.
The governor said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should look into the possibility of buying dredgers to save government funds.
Marcos urged local officials to look into the possibility of an impounding facility in the province.
Former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson said during the meeting that portions of the Candaba Swamp may serve as a water impounding area.
The swamp covers about 32,000 hectares made of freshwater ponds, swamps and marshes surrounded by seasonally flooded grasslands.
The entire area becomes submerged underwater during the wet season.
It dries out during the months of November to April before it is converted to farmland by the locals.
Pampanga Fourth District Representative Anna York Bondoc expressed opposition against Singson's suggestion.
Bondoc cited food security reasons and the livelihood of farmers who would be affected by farmers.
A similar proposal was opposed by the lady lawmaker’s brother in 2016.
The swamp was then eyed as a multi-purpose impounding facility which will serve as a flood control, irrigation and even eco-tourism for Pampanga.
Singson said that only 10 percent of the wetland area would be used for the impounding area.
Marcos vowed that the national government will look into the situation of the affected farmers in case such a project pushes through.