CITY OF SAN FERNANDO--- Fourth District Representative Anna York Bondoc expressed opposition on the suggestion to turn parts of the Candaba swamp into a water impounding facility to prevent flooding in other parts of Pampanga.
Bondoc aired her objection during a briefing at the provincial capitol led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to check the flooding situation in Pampanga.
Former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson aired the proposal to turn portions of the Candaba and San Antonio swamps into water impounding facility.
Singson said Candaba swamp alone can store excess water which could be released once the Pampanga River drains.
The proposed construction of a 200-hectare water impounding area in Pampanga’s Candaba swamp was suggested to prevent flooding in nearby and low-lying areas.
Bondoc expressed opposition to the proposal, saying this will affect people’s livelihoods, especially rice farmers.
“Hindi po kami papayag sa impounding sa Candaba swamp. That is a wrong concept, and we won’t allow that,” Bondoc said.
She stressed the need for dredging of the Pampanga River to allow the efficient flow of floodwater.
Bondoc said her opposition is mainly due to food security reasons.
At least 9,000 farmers will be affected if the project pushes through.
Marcos however said that the proposed project will consider concerned sectors and individuals.
“If there are people who will be displaced, I will personally guarantee each farmer that they will be transferred to another location that is equally good to ensure they won’t encounter difficulties or losses,” Marcos said.
Marcos at the same time said that dredging is a temporary solution and “exceedingly costly.”
“In the longer term we really have to study what we are going to do in terms of impounding. We have to study it well because if we don’t do anything, it [flooding] will keep on happening even if dredged,” Marcos said.