By Dolly Yasa
Communities along the Ilog-Hilabangan River in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, are now safer thanks to concrete walls built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The DPWH Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office is continuously undertaking various flood mitigation measures to protect the lives, properties, and livelihoods of the people along the river.
Recently, the district completed the construction of a 342-lineal-meter concrete slope protection along the upstream of Approach A of Ilog Bridge, costing ₱89.26 million. Another 302.4-lineal-meter structure, amounting to ₱84.75 million, was also built along the upstream of Approach B of the same bridge.
In his report to DPWH 6 Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel, District Engineer Rodney A. Gustilo said these structures are an addition to the 294.8-lineal-meter structure built along the river, specifically in the Barangay Orong area, which was completed in August last year.
RD Oropel stressed that flood control structures are essential in mitigating the devastating effects of floods on communities and infrastructure. These structures manage the flow of water in rivers, streams, and other water bodies during periods of heavy precipitation or high-water levels, preventing flooding by confining the water and directing it away from populated areas.
“These flood control structures are built to ensure the safety of the residents, as well as their homes, properties, and sources of livelihood from sudden water rise, especially during heavy rains or typhoons,” RD Oropel said.
“These concrete walls will also prevent erosion of riverbanks, thereby protecting our roads and bridges from damage, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow,” RD Oropel added.
Additionally, District Engineer Rodney A. Gustilo said the construction of these structures ensures that agricultural lands and other areas of livelihood will be protected against the surge of floodwater during calamities.
“Residents in the area depend on agricultural production and animal raising. The revetment wall will protect their sources of income, allowing them to earn more for their needs,” DE Gustilo said.
“The improved flood mitigation measures along the Ilog-Hilabangan River benefit our local farmers and agricultural producers. The structures will prevent erosion of soil and overflow of water that may damage sugarcane plantations, rice fields, and other agricultural crops,” DE Gustilo explained.
Flood control structures play a crucial role in protecting lives and property from the destructive forces of flooding by regulating the flow of water in rivers and other water bodies. By strategically implementing these structures, communities can minimize the impact of floods and enhance their resilience to extreme weather events. (DPWH-6)
