The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is ensuring the protection of residents in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija from threats of flooding come rainy season by delivering three (3) new flood control structures in the town.
Currently in the works are two (2) flood mitigation structures in Barangay Tabuating along Pampanga River and Barangay San Roque along Peñaranda River measuring 222.4 lineal meters and 180 lineal meters, respectively.
In his report to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Regional Office 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino said that the projects’ accomplishment rates are recorded at 82.87 percent for the Pampanga River flood control structure rehabilitation and 79.39 percent for the revetment wall construction along Peñaranda River.
Director Tolentino added that the ongoing flood control projects are being fast-tracked to complement the 135.2-linear meter flood control structure also in Barangay Tabuating along Tabuating Creek, which is built months ahead its target completion in August 2022.
The town of San Leonardo is a flatland bordered by active waterways – the Tabuating Creek in the north, Pampanga River in the west, and Peñaranda River from its northeast to southwest tip.
The town’s geographic location makes it prone to incidents of surrounding waterway inundation especially during typhoon season.
“The completion of the projects will not only ensure protection of lives in times of calamities. It can also help prevent massive damage on the locals’ source of livelihood, which is heavily reliant on farming and other agricultural industries,” said Director Tolentino.
The flood control projects, which collectively cost P91.57 million, are implemented by the DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO) under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2022.