The Leyte tide embankment project, aimed at safeguarding coastal communities from massive waves, has reached 64% completion after nine years of construction, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The project, which spans from Tacloban City to Tanauan town, has been a challenging endeavor since its inception in 2016, following the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
Edgar Tabacon, Director of DPWH 8 (Eastern Visayas), highlighted the ongoing difficulties in constructing the 38.12-km storm surge protection. He noted that despite facing various oppositions, efforts are being made to finish the project during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term. The completion timeline hinges on the funding provided by the central government.
To date, PHP9 billion of the required PHP12.17 billion budget has been allocated since 2016 for the construction of a 19-km flood mitigation structure and a 5.43-km backwater dike. As of late October, 19.51 km of the total 38.64 km of structures have been completed, with 5.52 km currently under construction and 13.6 km yet to be started.
The project includes 22.63 km of flood mitigation structures and 16 km of backwater dike structures, designed to protect residents in Tacloban City and the neighboring towns of Palo and Tanauan from destructive waves. The structures feature stainless steel flap gates, river gates with actuators, and amenities such as a bike lane with railings, ramps, and streetlights.
Additionally, the embankment will serve as a parallel highway from San Juanico Bridge to downtown, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion between the city and the Samar area. Coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and public consultations are still required.
The project extends from Diit village in Tacloban to Cabuynan village in Tanauan, with the goal of protecting 33,000 residents based on a 50-year population projection. It is divided into six sections, covering various areas from the northern part of Tacloban to Tanauan town. Most sections include a four-meter-wide structure with a bay walk and bicycle lane.
Located 30 meters from the shoreline, the project will safeguard 33.7 square meters of properties and 33,185 houses and buildings. The construction of this four-meter-high structure was initiated in response to the catastrophic storm surges caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which devastated neighborhoods across Leyte province.