Dams, dike eyed in flood-hit Central Luzon

National

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced plans to build five sabo dams in Nueva Ecija and a roughly 100-kilometer road-dike toward Bataan as part of longer-term efforts to reduce flooding in Central Luzon.

Marcos made the announcement after a situation briefing in San Fernando City, Pampanga on Monday, Aug. 24.

The president inspected some areas in Region 3, which was heavily affected by the e effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat.

In a report by Philstar, Marcos said the five sabo dams would help slow water flowing down from upland areas near the Sierra Madre.

"'Yan ay makakatulong para bawasan ang bilis nang pagbaba ng tubig, mabawasan ang siltation, at makakapag-ipon pa tayo ng tubig para gamitin for household use, industrial, for irrigation sa agrikultura," Marcos said.

A sabo dam is a small barrier built across mountain streams to trap rocks, soil and other debris while slowing the flow of water downstream. The structure helps reduce sediment buildup and the force of runoff reaching low-lying communities.

Marcos added that the government is also studying a road-dike extending toward Pilar, Bataan, to help block water coming from Manila Bay.

"This is the long-term plan, sa kasalukuyan ay pinag-aaralan ngayon natin," Marcos said. "That is about a hundred kilometers kaya medyo matatagalan."(MyTVCebu)