In a significant move to bolster flood defenses, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed a PHP28.9 million flood control structure in Barangay Namaltugan, Sudipen, La Union. The project, finalized on December 14 of the previous year, spans 254 lineal meters and serves to protect four local villages from the flooding threats posed by the Amburayan River.
The initiative, which commenced on April 30 of the same year, was financed through the national budget. It encompasses a range of construction activities including the installation of six-meter-long steel sheet piles, the building of a capping beam, embankment works, and slope protection measures. According to Esperanza Tinaza, the DPWH Ilocos Region information officer, these efforts are designed to fortify the riverbank, prevent erosion, and maintain the stability and security of the surrounding areas.
Tinaza emphasized that the completion of this structure is a critical step in safeguarding the communities of Namaltugan, Old Central, Ilcano, and Ipet against the rising waters of the Amburayan River. This project underscores DPWH’s ongoing commitment to fostering disaster-resilient communities in La Union.
By investing in such flood mitigation infrastructure, the government aims to enhance the preparedness and adaptability of local residents to future natural disasters, as stated by Tinaza.