Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid has called for the immediate dredging of the Pampanga River to help address the recurring flooding affecting communities in Central Luzon.
Lapid made the call on Sunday, August 23, while distributing relief goods to flood-affected families in Sasmuan and Guagua, Pampanga.
He said the Pampanga River has become too shallow to contain floodwaters.
Lapid added that water from Manila Bay flow back into the river system.
“Kailangan na idredge ang Pampanga river kasi masyadong mababaw na at nagba-“back flow” ang tubig mula sa Manila bay. Kawawa ang mga kababayan natin sa Bulacan, Pampanga at Nueva Ecija na madalas binabaha. Dredging lang talaga. Parang nilagyan mo lang ng yelo ang baso na aapaw ang tubig. Alisin mo ang yelo, bababa ang tubig at lalalim ulit,” The senator said.
Pampanga, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija serve as catch basins when dams release water, making the provinces vulnerable to flooding, Lapid claimed.
Sasmuan Mayor Catalina Cabrera and Guagua Mayor Anthony Joseph “Tonton” Torres thanked Lapid for providing assistance to residents affected by the floods.
Around 2,000 families in the two municipalities received food packs during Lapid’s visit.
