Repatriation of OFW dead body sought

CANDABA - The repatriation of the dead body of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) has been sought by the family members.

This came as the bereaved love ones asked assistance from the municipal government officials to find means on how to send back body to the country.

Arlan Navarro Reyes was reportedly died of "bangungot" last June 28 in Siara Caraba, Rawdah, Kingdom of  Saudi Arabia.

Reyes is an OFW from Barangay Mandili this town and was recruited to work abroad by TCi Manpower Recuitment Corporation.

The family wants the body of Reyes to be flown at his hometown soon so that they could give him a decent burial. 

The family claimed that they had suffered much from the untimely demise.

As this developed, the municipal government wrote a letter addressed to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Carmencita Dimzon.

It was learned that repatriation is one of the services overseas Filipino workers subscribe to through a membership with the OWWA.

 A $25.00 (US) is paid upon processing of contract and repaid when a new contract is entered into by a Filipino overseas worker.

Reports have it, families of OFWs who were OWWA members at the time of their death will receive death and burial benefits of P220,000.

They are also eligible to avail of the agency’s education and livelihood assistance program, scholarship grant for a qualified dependent, and a livelihood assistance in the amount of P15,000 to the surviving spouse.

Maglanque to 'Renew' Candaba

CANDABA - Mayor Rene Maglanque along with Vice Mayor Normita "Babes" Evangelista yesterday together vowed  to "Renew" Candaba in terms of implementation of infrastructure projects and delivery of basic services.

Maglanque and Evangelista were formally sworn into office by Senator Mary Grace Poe-Llanzamares in a simple ceremony held at the Genuino Park in front of the municipal hall.

The installation into office of the new set of local elected officials was witnessed by thousands of well wishers and supporters  from various barangays here.

Maglaque told Sun Star Pampanga that included in the list of priorities is the completion of the construction of Baliuag-Candaba and Candaba-San Miguel roads which according to him would further promote unity to Candabenios and progress in so far as the town's economic aspect is concerned.

"Gusto natin i-connect ang Candaba sa Candaba. Sisikapin nating tapusin ang paggawa sa mga major roads sa ating unang termino para magtuloy tuloy na ang pag asenso ng ating bayan," he said.

The mayor is also determined to establish a community hospital in town either inside the compound of the Ms. Earth Park in Barangay Mandasig to be housed in the existing Mayor's Action Center or in Pansol area which the municipal government is planning to purchase.

"Matagal ng pangarap ng ating mga kababayan na magkaroon tayo ng sariling hospital kaya isa rin ito sa mga priorities natin," he stated.

Maglanque  likewise stressed that he would pushed for the institutionalization of the scholarship programs for the qualified and deserving students who wanted to go to college but canno afford due to extreme poverty.

"Tutulungan natin silang makapag aral para makatulong naman sila sa kanilang mga magulang at maging mabuting mamamayan," he noted.

Evangelista for her part earlier said that the municipal council under her leadership would backed Maglanque's priority programs to ensure the same are delivered immediately for the good of the Candabenios.

The lady vice mayor likewise assured the people of her full dedication upon the initiative of the Sangguniang Bayan members to came up with meaningful legislative measures to improve the standard of living of the Candabenios

CSC reminds execs to ease on terminating employees

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - An official from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) recently reminded the newly elected local chief executives to ease on terminating employees in their respective municipalities.

Atty. Ariel Ronquillo, CSC assistant commissioner said the concerned officials  cannot abuse their authority to terminate employees whom they suspiciously think loyal to their political rivals.

He explained that government employees who rendered long years of service are entitled to security of tenure and cannot be cannot from office without valid grounds.

"Kailangan maging maingat sila sa pag aalis ng mga empleyado dahil mayroon security of tenure ang mga iyan," he added.

Ronquillo also noted that local chief executives had the authority to appoint officer-in-charge (OIC) in a particular department, however, he clarified that the appointee must be possessing the basic qualifications set forth by the law.

"Pagdating sa pagdi-designate of OIC kailangan qualified yung tao. Hindi kasi pweding maging supervisor yun kulang ang sa qualification ng mga career employees," he stated.

Ronquillo stated that there were reports in some areas involving winning candidates who are bent on removing municipal employees  believed to supporters of the losing candidates.

Local elected officials in all municipalities in the province were sworn into office last Sunday together with Governor Lilia Pineda and son Vice Governor Dennis. 

Alliance with administration party good for Candabenios - Maglanque

CANDABA - Mayor-elect Rene Maglanque yesterday claimed that strong alliance with the Liberal Party will redound to the greater benefit of the Candabenios. 

Maglanque said that this is the right time for the town to attain its fullest potential after the construction of major roads connecting the town proper to isolated barangays is completed with the help of his Liberal Party mates from the regional and national level.

 "Madali ngayon para sa atin ang mag request ng pondo para sa ating mga proyekto dahil nakita naman nila na buong buong ang ibinigay nating suporta sa partido dito sa ating bayan," he added.

Maglanque's quest for the local chief executive position was backed by President Benigno Aquino III, Senator Franklin Drilon and other Liberal Party leaders who came in town during the campaign season.

He told Sun Star Pampanga, some of his friends from the senate had already pledged portion of the priority development funds (PDAF) to support the completion of the construction of Baliuag-Candaba and Candaba-San Miguel roads.

On Sunday, Senator-elect Grace Poe-Llamanzares together with Third District Congressman-elect Oscar Rodriguez, a respected Liberal Party leader in Central Luzon  are set to  administer the installation into office of Maglanque and Vice Mayor Norita "Babes" Evangelista.

Poe and Rodriguez are also scheduled to inspect Baliuag-Candaba  road along Baragay Paligue and San Agustin section to recommend the allocation of funds the following fiscal  year.

As this developed, Maglanque is optimistic that the long standing dream of  Candabenios to connect the isolated barangays to poblacion will be realized.

"Ang gusto din natin ay i-connect ang Candaba sa Candaba. Alam mo kapag nangyari ito walang dahilan para hindi umasenso ang ating bayan," he stated. 

Comelec urges people to register for barangay, SK elections

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Commission on Elections yesterday disclosed that new registrants for upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections may visit local offices in their respective municipalities from July 22 to 31 in order to be listed and qualify to vote on the election day.

Ma. Rosario Lalic, Candaba municipal election officer handed a copy a Comelec Resolution No. 9715 to Sun Star Pampanga fixing the calendar of activities for the 2013 synchronized barangay and SK elections. 

"Magsisimula na po ang filing of application for registration as a voter, transfer of registration of records and correction of registration sa darating na buwan sabihin po natin ito sa ating mga kabarangay," Lalic said.

Those who will register for barangay election may further participate in the succeeding elections while SK registrants can only vote for 2013 SK elections. 

 

SK voters are individuals aged between 15 and 18 years old. 

Lalic also stated that the filing of Certificates of Candidacy starts on October 15 and will end on October 17.

She noted that the election period is scheduled on September 28 to November 12. 

 "Ang campaign period ay nine days lamang mula October 18 to 26," Lalic added. 

Capitol, DOH partnership results to health facility improvement

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Governor Lilia Pineda yesterday noted that the strong partnership between the provincial government and the Department of Health resulted to modernization of the health facilities in the province.

 

Pineda during her first term campaigned for massive rehabilitation of all the district hospitals in Pampanga and at the same equipped the same with modern facilities to make sure that every Kapampangan will have an easy access for quality and affordable health services.

 

On the part of the national government, President Benigno Aquino III through the Department of Health (DOH) funded the construction of various hospital structures, facilities and other health related amenities amounting to some P730-million.

 

This was carried out by DOH under the “Health Facility Enhancement Program which implementation started  three years ago.

 

With this program, government-owned and operated hospitals and health facilities were  upgraded to expand capacity and provide quality services in order to attain the millennium development goal.

 

Governor Lilia Pineda during the recent ground breaking of a 6-storey hospital building of Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital (JBLMRH) thanked President Aquino for their unwavering support to the health and medical needs of the Kapampangans.

 

The provincial government had been closely working with the DOH-Center for Health and Development (CHD) headed by Dra. Leonita Gorgolon.

 

It was learned that in 2009 alone, the health department has funded the construction of various hospital facilities and amenities amounting to least P156 million.

 

Gorgolon said in 2010, the funds given to Pampanga has reached to P146 million, in 2011, we have P65 million.

 

In 2012, the DOH has spent at least P33 million for the construction of hospital facilities in Porac and Macabebe towns.

 

Gorgolon said now, the construction of the JBLMRH expansion hospital building will materialize through the P250 million funds given by the national government.

PESO serves 19,808 Kampangan job seekers

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Pampanga’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) yesterday bared that they had already served some 19,808 Kapampangan jobseekers both in local and foreign employment.

 

PESO is a non-fee charging multi-employment service entity established pursuant to Republic Act No. 8759 otherwise known as the PESO Act of 1999.

 

This office also conducted a series of livelihood training benefiting at least 3,892 individuals, 1,930 of them became entrepreneurs and 725 participants landed as self employed.

 

The employment office in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) distributed 210 Nego Karts and start up materials to local beneficiaries in order to aid their livelihood amounting to P1,490,000.

 

The beneficiaries are identified by PESO managers from all municipalities in the province. It is a nationwide activity by the DOLE which started years ago.

 

Another program implemented in partnership with the attached government agency is the DOLE Kabuhayan Program in line with the national government’s agenda of reducing poverty in the country.

 

Aside from this, PESO is likewise spearheading career counselling to students in various universities and colleges to guide them in choosing employable courses.

 

Pampanga’s PESO  was recently included in the roster of “Hall of Fame Awardees” as far as provision of employment services in the country is concerned.

 

For three consecutive years, it has bagged national championship award as the “Best PESO Manager” for first class province category.

 

Pampanga’s PESO is currently under the leadership of Luningning Vergara.

Ex VM: public service continuous even in private capacity

MASANTOL - Former Vice Mayor Marcelo Lacap Jr. yesterday declared that his advocacy for the people shall remain  despite not having been elected in public office.

He said he would continue helping and serving the people in his private capacity.

Lacap, also a civic leader representing the coastal communities in town added that the result of  the midterm elections will not prevent him from doing his share for the betterment of the people.

Meanwhile, he assured the incoming administration of Mayor-elect Dan Guinto of full support in all his programs and projects which he promised during the campaign season.

"Tutulungan natin siya sa abot ng ating makakaya," he stated.

Lacap is Guinto's  running mate under the administration's Liberal Party. 

He earlier disclosed that among the immediate concerns that had to be addressed are problems on fishing industry, flooding, education, garbage management, lack of education by the some children in the coastal communities.

Capitol constructs covered court in Candaba

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The provincial government has funded the construction of a covered court at the back of the Parish Church  in Barangay Pasig, Candaba town.

Board Member Ricardo Yabut, who grew up in the locality pushed for the realization of the project for the benefit of the people .

Yabut asked his fellow provincial legislators to allocate funds for the construction of the covered court.

The facility is intended to be used for barangay and parochial activities promoting the socio-cultural well being of the residents.

It was learned that this covered court is first to be constructed in the  river side  under the administration of Governor Lilia Pineda.

As this developed, the resident-beneficiaries thanked Yabut and the provincial government for the initiative as the same is believed beneficial to the community.

"Dito namin ginagawa ang lahat ng activities sa barangay kaya malaking tulong ang ginagawang covered court. Pag natapos ito kahit umuulan ay pweding ng ituloy ang mga programa namin," Charlene Venasquez, a resident in Barangay Pasig.

Ex VM: public service continuous even in private capacity

MASANTOL - Former Vice Mayor Marcelo Lacap Jr. yesterday declared that his advocacy for the people shall remain  despite not having been elected in public office.

He said he would continue helping and serving the people in his private capacity.

Lacap, also a civic leader representing the coastal communities in town added that the result of  the midterm elections will not prevent him from doing his share for the betterment of the people.

Meanwhile, he assured the incoming administration of Mayor-elect Dan Guinto of full support in all his programs and projects which he promised during the campaign season.

"Tutulungan natin siya sa abot ng ating makakaya," he stated.

Lacap is Guinto's  running mate under the administration's Liberal Party.

He earlier disclosed that among the immediate concerns that had to be addressed are problems on fishing industry, flooding, education, garbage management, lack of education by the some children in the coastal communities.

Capitol constructs covered court in Candaba

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The provincial government has funded the construction of a covered court at the back of the Parish Church  in Barangay Pasig, Candaba town.

Board Member Ricardo Yabut, who grew up in the locality pushed for the realization of the project for the benefit of the people .

Yabut asked his fellow provincial legislators to allocate funds for the construction of the covered court.

The facility is intended to be used for barangay and parochial activities promoting the socio-cultural well being of the residents.

It was learned that this covered court is first to be constructed in the  river side  under the administration of Governor Lilia Pineda.

As this developed, the resident-beneficiaries thanked Yabut and the provincial government for the initiative as the same is believed beneficial to the community.

"Dito namin ginagawa ang lahat ng activities sa barangay kaya malaking tulong ang ginagawang covered court. Pag natapos ito kahit umuulan ay pweding ng ituloy ang mga programa namin," Charlene Venasquez, a resident in Barangay Pasig.

Health office pushes for 4 o’clock habit vs dengue

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Provincial Health Office (PHO) head yesterday urged various public schools and local government officials to observe 4 o’clock habit to prevent cases of dengue in the province from rising.

Dr. Marcelo Jaochico, PHO chief said that the intiative is primarily focused on “searching and destroying” mosquitoes  breeding places inside the school premises and in different barangays.

He added that the same would further increase awareness among the students, residents on dengue disease and how it can be avoided. 

Jaochico also asked the local chief executives in various municipalities to conduct dengue health summit to bolster the campaign against dengue this rainy season.

With this, the provincial government committed to provide technical assistance.

He stated that with the help of the Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development 3 (CHD 3), they will be giving insecticide which can be used to keep the school campuses safe from dengue virus  transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.

The provincial health officer noted that from January to June this year, some 595 dengue cases had been recorded  which far better from the records in 2013 of the same period reaching 1,1141 cases. 

Jaochico also claimed that the campaign against dengue has been made effective as reflected in the case fatality rate involving of only one resident in Mabalacat City. 

It can be recalled that the provincial government through Governor Lilia Pineda assumed obligation on  the medical expenses in all district hospitals of dengue patients in Pampanga last year.

Pineda also previously ordered the purchased dengue test kits to immediately identify individuals who were inflicted with dengue virus.

Farmlands in swampy area idle for lack of water

CANDABA - Several hundreds of hectares of farmlands here remained idle due to poor irrigation system.

This came despite  that fact that  Candaba Swamp serve as the catch basin of Central Luzon and holds floodwater coming from Maasim, San Miguel, Garlang, Bulu and Penaranda rivers draining to Pampanga River.

"Maraming tubig dito sa Candaba kung tubig baha lang din naman ang pag-uusapan. Kaya lang walang maayos na sistema kung paano ito magagamit sa patubig ng mga magsasaka natin," Eugene Lacanilao, a farmer here said. 

Some of the farming areas with selected problem on irrigation are Manjahnong, Dukma, Attorney and Simang among others. 

The town has about  32,000 hectares of freshwater ponds, swamps and marshes wherein the entire area is being submerged to floodwater especially during rainy season.

Much of this area is converted into farmland by the residents during dry season.

Lacanilao shared that most of the time farmers are merely relying on canals, ponds and the like to support the water requirement during planting season.

"Marami din naman irrigation projects dito pero hindi sapat para tamnan lahat ng lupa dito. Kadalasan kasi yung malapit lang sa ilog at sa sapa ang inaabot nito," another farmer here stated. 

As this developed, they urged the concerned government agencies and officials to conduct a study on the possibility having a water reservoir to fully irrigate the town's farmland in order to boost the local farmers' agricultural production. 

Maglanque eyes establishment of community hospital

CANDABA - Incoming Mayor Rene Maglanque yesterday disclosed that he is eyeing for the establishment of a community hospital to cater the medical needs of the Candabenos.

He said with the concerted effort of the municipal and provincial government together with other elected officials, concerned government agencies and other concerned stakeholders, the dream of a having a community hospital will soon be  realized.

"Sisikapin nating magpatayo ng isang hospital para sa ating mga kababayan. Kailangang kailangan natin ito para kaligtasan at kalusugan ng ating mamamayan," Maglanque added.

The mayor-elect is initially pushing for the conversion of Mayor's Action Center located at the Ms. Earth Park in Barangay Mandasig here into an emergency hospital. However, it was learned that the facility is already owned by the Judiciary and  the same was intended to become a justice hall.

With this, Maglanque stated that he would still seek the permission of the Judiciary so that the municipal government can legally take over the management and operation of the said facility.

"Titignan natin kung ano ang magagawa natin para magamit natin yung Mayor's Action Center para maging emergency hospital natin," he noted.

As an alternative, incoming Mayor Maglanque is likewise proposing to buy a parcel of land in Pansol area along Candaba-Sta. Ana road concisting of more than six hectares to be dedicated as government complex for the proposed emergency hospital, low cost housing units and other municipal offices.

Guv vows to continue Taruc advocacy for small farmers

SAN LUIS --- The provincial chief executive the other day vowed to continue the legacy left late Luis “Ka Luis” Taruc concerning his advocacy on equal opportunity for the small tenants to own a parcel of land.

 

“In my second term as governor, I will continue the legacy of Ka Luis through giving more priority and more funds for the agricultural sector,” she said.

 

This statement was made by Governor Pineda during the celebration of Ka Luis’ birth centenary held at the freedom park here.

 

Pineda recalled that Ka Luis had fought for the rights of small tenants in Central Luzon who wanted to own the land they till through the agrarian reform program of the government.

 

However, she noted that at present, parcels of lands awarded to small farmers had already returned to the mercy of the financiers.

 

“They should not depend themselves on the mercy of financiers who are asking high interest for the loans they give to farmers,” she said.

 

As this developed, the provincial government through Pineda will be providing a comprehensive program to support the Kapampangan farmers in terms of farm inputs including machineries and seeds subsidy among others.

 

It can also be noted that Governor Pineda through the Office and Provincial Agriculturist earlier provided financial assistance to all farmers in the province who own at least one hectare farm land.

 

4th district towns 'crucial' during typhoon season

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The newly appointed chief of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) the other day identified the municipalities in the 4th district as 'crucial' during rainy season.

Angelina “Angie” Blanco said that of all the districts in Pampanga, 4th district needs to be given extra care during typhoon season wherein all its municipalities are ordinarily submerged to floodwater.

Among the flood prone municipalities in district are Candaba, San Luis, San Simon, Apality, Macabebe, Sto. Tomas,  Masantol and Minalin.

Blanco, a former provincial director of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) of Bataan and Pampanga, in a media interview confirmed that her appointment came early this week.

She replaced Engr. Lulu Alingcastre who was reassigned to her previous post as department head of the General Services Office (GSO) of the provincial government.

Blanco explained that she would start her work by identifying the worse flood affected barangays in order to determine the assistance to be given in extreme cases.

Aside from this, the PDRRMO chief said she would also focus on  information campaign to reach remote communities involving warnings and other announcements needed during calamities.

"Kailangan po natin ang tulong ninyo ng media para mabilis na makarating sa ating mga kababayan ang kinakailangang impormasyon," she stressed.

DPWH allots P837-M funds enough for flood control in CSF, 3 towns

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- The Department of Public Works and Highways bared yesterday the P837- million funds for the flood control measures being done along the Gugu River down to Labuan River enough to contain the floods in this city, Sto. Tomas, Minalin and Bacolor.

The disclosure was made during the inspection of Governor Lilia G. Pineda, members of the provincial disaster risk reduction management council, provincial engineers and DPWH officials and former Vice President Noli De Castro.

The governor was assured by the DPWH officials that the flood control measures done can withstand the expected floods that may occur this year and it will save this city, Sto. Tomas, Bacolor and Minalin towns from the threat of flooding.

Brent Berry, consultant of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) bared that more than P500- million are being used for the repair of the Spillway No. 1 and Spillway No. 3 along the transverse dike.

Berry said they will also construct 3.2 km. revetment and slope protection of the dike going up to the Jose Abad Santos Avenue.

It was learned that the group of Berry, Director Rogelio Ang, Engineer Isabelita Manalo are in-charge for the flood control measures from JASA road up to the Mancatian River in Porac town.

However, the group of Engineers Lucito Sibug, chief of construction division of public works in Region III and Engineer Arnold Ocampo are in-charge for the San Fernando-Sto. Tomas-Minalin Tail   Dike  Construction of Pilot Relief Channel From Gugu Creek to Sapang Labuan.

As of now, they have already finished the closure of 96 linear meter breached section of San Fernando-Sto. Tomas-Minalin  tail Dike and Repair of 102c linear meter Tail Dike Slip Section in San Fernando with  a funding of  P 27,787,912.07. The project was started November 29, 2012 and finished on April 27, this year through a by contract scheme.

 Sibug said the channel excavation, diking, construction of slope protection of the Pilot Relief Channel From Gugu Creek to Sapang Labuan which is now 54.50 percent completed was funded with an amount of P34-million. IT was done by administration scheme was .  It was started January 23 and expected to be finished on July 21, this year.

The total amount of flood control works from JASA road to Labuan River is P139-million:  P4 million for the land acquisition of road right of way and spoil sites for dredged spoil; Improvement of Gugu Dike Parapet wall with 1.40 kilometer, P10 million; Heightening/ Strengthening/Armoring of Depressed Section of the Tail Dike including Outfall at Magliman Creek including Replacement of Palawe Bridge  and Sapang pari , P54-million; Widening of 7 kilometer Pilot Relief Channel from Gugu Creek to Sapang Labuan Channel including its Confluence with San Francisco River, P70 million and Repair/ Maintenance of Labuan Bailey Bridge, P1-million.(JPM)

PGENRO chief plans to convene waste management board

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) chief yesterday bared that they are set to convene the solid waste management board next month.

This statement was made by PGENRO head Engr. Arthur Punsalan in a radio program hosted by Lubao Councilor John Susi.

He said that the initiative is aimed at addressing the looming garbage problem in the province.

"Lahat ay may obligasyon pagdating sa basura," Punsalan noted. 

The campaign on this matter started  few months after Governor Lilia Pineda assumed office on her first term wherein she instructed Punsalan to map out all illegal and controlled dump sites in various municipalities.

Pineda also pushed for the establishment of clustered material recovery facilities to minimize the volume of garbage produced.

It can also be noted that the provincial government also distributed brand new dump trucks to all the municipalities intended for hauling of garbage.

Too much garbage dumped on rivers, tributaries and major waterways had been partly blamed on  massive flooding experience last year.

Punsalan stated that for garbage disposal alone, the provincial government is spending more than P450-million a year.

He stressed garbage management in the locality is one of the obligations of the concerned local government unit. 

However, the PGENRO chief claimed that in most cases,  it is the provincial government who assumed the obligation knowing the municipalities had limited resources to address the same.

Indigents get cash grant from government

CANDABA - Some 4,093 indigent residents here yestrday had  received cash grant from the national government under Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), or the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program.

Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office, Phililippine Postal Corporation and municipal social welfare development office facilitated the distribution of the same.

Myline Biccay, Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) Office chief said the distribution is regularly being held in three separate venues including Ms. Earth Park in Barangay Mandasig and in two municipal extensions in Barangays Bahay Pare and Salapungan.

"Mayroon tayong tatlong lugar kung saan ipinamamahagi ang pera sa mga beneficiaries natin para hindi na mahirapan pa ang ating mga kababayan sa pagbyahe," she added.

4Ps program is a flagship project of the national government on poverty reduction and social development.

With this, the national government through the DSWD provides conditional cash grant to extremely poor households which is aimed at improving their health, nutrition and education particularly children aged 0-14. 

"Masaya po kami dahil mayroon po kaming pera magagamit sa pangangailangan ng aming mga anak lalu sa gamot at pagkain," one of the beneficiaries stated.

Mayor: Weak dike threat to Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Outgoing Pampanga Mayors' Lague President (PML) and Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo yesterday declared that the growing economy in the province had remained threatened as source of leakages of Arayat-Apalit Setback Levee stand unattended. 

Pelayo  particularly cited the loose basement of Arayat-Apalit Setback Levee in Sitio Arabia along the boundary of this town and Candaba wherein the structural foundation was severely damaged years back during Typhoon Pedring.

Arayat-Apalit Setback Levee served as the final line of defense of Pampanga against unprecedented flooding during rainy season. 

"Alam mo concern pa rin tayo sa ating mga kababayan kahit na patapos na ating termino sapagkat mahal natin ang ating mga kababayan at ang ating probinsiya. Kapag hindi ito binigyan pansin mauulit lang ang mga nangyari noong nakaraan at baka tuluyan ng sumabog ang dike," the mayor said in an interview.

The PML president noted that there is an ongoing project under the National Irrigation Authority in Sitio Arabia  at the exact portion where seapages were seen last year.

"Tignan nyo yung ginagawa nilang box culvert dyan. Itanong nyo kung sesementuhin nila iyong gilid ng dike para matiyak natin na hindi sisibol ang tubig mula Pampanga River papunta sa kabilang bahagi nito. Delikado maraming maaapektuhan," Pelayo.

Arnel Agana, foreman of the project being cited by Pelayo told Sun Star Pampanga that concreting the wall of the dike is not included in the program of works.

"Hindi kasama yun, tatambakan lamang natin yung gilid pero yung mga tosang ay sesementuhin natin para hindi na pasukan ng tubig," he stated.

However, he assured that the metal gates will be installed the soonest time possible to ensure that water coming from both sideswill be controlled in case of water over flow in Pampanga River.

Meanwhile, damages on Arnedo dikes were also observed in Barangays Sta. Catalina and San Sebastian including adjacent coastal barangays in San Simon and Apalit towns. 

In Arayat town, Guemasan and Cupang dikes are continuously deteriorating. In fact portions of them already collapsed last  after failing to withstand the strong impact of flow of water from the upstream during rainy days.

"Alam mo kapag hindi ito binigyan pansin, mawawala lahat ng mayroon ang Pampanga apektado pati malalaking negosyo dyan sa San Fernando,  mga karatig siyudad at mga bayan," Pelayo ended