Residents in the Municipality of Castillejos in Zambales are now protected by two (2) newly-completed flood control structures that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) built along the Pamatawan River.
In his report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Region 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino identified the completed structures as the 374-linear meter revetment wall on steel sheet pile foundation and another 336-lineal meter slope protection along the sections of Pamatawan River in Barangays Looc and San Agustin, respectively.
The said flood control structures, costing P154.4 million funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2022, were implemented by DPWH Zambales Second District Engineering Office (DEO) headed by District Engineer Rosbe S. Dizon.
“We know that ‘Habagat’ rains could raise water levels in major waterways in the province such as the Pamatawan River and could cause severe flooding, so we hope these flood control projects will provide additional protection to residents especially those living in low-lying areas,” District Engineer Dizon said.
Both the Barangay Looc revetment wall and Barangay San Agustin slope protection now secure neighborhoods near the Pamatawan River and complement existing protective structures that help prevent riverbank erosion and protect barangays in Castillejos town and other areas prone to flooding.