Naga SP mulls more budget for drainage system

By Armie B. Gunay NAGA CITY --- Barely two days before floodwaters submerged many parts of this city last week, the Sangguniang Panglunsod as early as January 9 on its regular session started hearing on the plan to allot more funds for the construction and rehabilitation of more drainage canals. City Engineer Leon Palmiano, Jr. during the hearing identified before the city councilors the areas in the city where drainage canals need immediate repair to prevent flooding. The city councilors are mulling to initially set aside P50M for immediate repairs of the drainage canals identified, although more funds may be allocated due to other areas identified by City Councilor Del Rosario and Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion. According to Del Rosario the drainage canals in Barangays Bagumbayan Sur, Calauag, and Liboton require immediate attention. Vice Mayor Legacion said de-clogging of existing water passageways and storm drainages must be resorted to as an immediate measure to help mitigate water overflow and flooding of the streets. In an interview, the vice mayor said they already advised Engr. Palmiano to coordinate with Ernesto Elcamel of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) regarding portions of the Calamity Fund that may be another possible source of funds to finance construction and repair of the city’s drainage system. Moreover, the city councilors agreed to conduct an ocular inspection and investigation of the identified areas and other spots in the city where the drainage system urgently requires rehabilitation and repairs, particularly with the continuous rains that have been hitting the city and most parts of the Bicol Region.