The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) proudly announced the successful completion of two significant infrastructure projects totaling PHP193 million, designed to combat flooding and soil erosion in Bulacan and Negros Occidental. These projects, funded through the 2024 General Appropriations Act, underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing public safety and infrastructure resilience.
In Bulacan, the second phase of the riverbank protection project along Balagtas River in Barangay Pulong Gubat was completed. This phase added 252.80 linear meters of protection, including a 12-meter sheet pile foundation to bolster slope stability and minimize flood risks during severe weather. According to DPWH Region 3 Director Roseller Tolentino, this initiative is vital for managing water flow, protecting residential areas, and supporting local agriculture, livestock, and poultry industries. The project, overseen by the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office under District Engineer Henry Alcantara, was finalized in December 2024.
In Negros Occidental, the DPWH completed a slope protection project along the Bacolod South Road in Barangay Linaon, Cauayan. This project involved constructing two slope protection walls, totaling 791.5 meters in length, along with a line canal, stairs, and a 105.3-square-meter active wire mesh system with erosion control measures. DPWH Region 6 Director Sanny Boy Oropel highlighted that these enhancements significantly reduce the risks of soil erosion and rockfall, ensuring safer travel along the Kabankalan-Hinobaan section of the road. The project, executed by the DPWH Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office, has been a boon for local farming and fishing communities, eliminating delays caused by road closures due to landslides.
These completed projects not only safeguard the infrastructure but also enhance the quality of life for residents by preventing disruptions and protecting against natural disasters.