House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has expressed her full backing to the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build program as he took part Tuesday morning in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation Measures in low-lying areas of Pampanga Bay Phase 1 project.
Phase 1 intends to reduce flood level and flooding duration in the municipalities of Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, and Sto. Tomas. In addition, it aims to protect life and minimize damages to properties from perennial flooding in the area, to revive the regional economy and improve the resident’s welfare, as well as improve the drainage efficiency of the river channel network in the area.
“There will be less flooding and faster draining of floodwaters in the four towns. And of course, because of this, there will be less disruption in the trade and commerce in those towns, and less occurrence of water-borne diseases. This project will definitely help the development of our province,” Arroyo said.
The IDRR-CCA project, which is located at the mouth of Pampanga River, is set to work on the following: (1) river excavation, dredging and embankment, (2) the construction of three new bridges, (3) the construction of five footbridges, (4) the construction of eight sluice gate structures, and (5) the construction of 164 fish pond gates.
Arroyo said the flood control project is a priority of President Rodrigo Duterte, under his Build, Build, Build program.
“The administration of President Duterte is serious in his Build, Build, Build program. He has invested billions for physical infrastructure, not only to improve the physical connectivity of the provinces through the roads and bridges he is building but also to make us more resilient to climate change, including the flood control program,” she said.
Arroyo recounted that the funds for the flood control program was requested from the Korean government during her presidency. Thereafter, the request was approved in the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III. And presently, the project is being carried out under the leadership of President Duterte.
Arroyo called on the public to appreciate everyone who worked on the project and those who will continue to work on it.
“I think that the project that we are launching today is perfect proof that if we are all united across administrations and within administrations, we can do so much for the good of the people of Pampanga and the people of the Philippines,” she said.
Arroyo also announced that Phase 2 shall also begin soon. The bidding for the next leg is scheduled to be opened on October 11, 2018. She disclosed that the feasibility study for Phase 2 will also be funded by the partners from Korea.
Per DPWH memorandum, Phase 2 of the (IDRR-CCA) Measures in Low -lying Areas of Pampanga Bay project will cover the area of Mt. Arayat, passing through the third district of Pampanga, as well as mostly through its fourth district up to the Labangan Channel in Bulacan.