𝗣’𝗴𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 Thru 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

 LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Aligned with the provincial government’s long-term vision for sustainable disaster resilience, Governor Ramon V. Guico III leads a comprehensive initiative to address the province’s recurring flooding through large-scale river desiltation and waterway rehabilitation.

Speaking in a press conference, Governor Guico stressed the urgency of implementing bold and science-based solutions that go beyond temporary relief.

“We have to make a bold move kung ano ba talaga yung long-term solutions on how to solve this flooding problem. Kailangan province-wide ito or kung hindi man, region-wide. Kasi ang nakikita namin pinaka-reason are the heavily silted rivers”.

Under the framework of the Department of Environment & Natural Resources’ Administrative Order No. 2020-07 (DAO 7), the provincial government is set to implement river desiltation projects at no cost to the province, with private partners covering operational expenses while ensuring strict compliance with environmental regulations.

Governor Guico underscored that the initiative is not limited to river rehabilitation. The long-term plan also includes reconstruction of drainage systems, establishment of pumping stations, construction of retention ponds, and improved flow protection systems to safeguard communities.

 

The governor is also working with Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the passage of an ordinance that will establish a specialized inter-agency task force dedicated solely to flood mitigation and river system rehabilitation.

“I'm very confident that maka-form tayo ng isang department or unit specifically to address the flooding sa probinsya. A big portion of whatever income of the province will be used for that,” he added.

Governor Guico likewise called on Pangasinan’s congressional representatives to extend their legislative and funding support to ensure that the province’s long-term flood management program is fully realized. “We can't afford to be like this. Wala tayong magagawa sa climate change at I think it will become worse in the years to come, so kailangan yung decision is now, kung anong gagawin natin for the long term,” he emphasized.

The Capitol is confident that through strategic partnerships, inter-agency collaboration, and legislative support, the river desiltation and flood mitigation program will help protect lives, property, and the local economy from the impacts of flooding in the years to come.

(Danna Laureano/PIMRO, photos by Gian Carlo Millanes)