Completion of flood control, other projects pushed in CamSur
By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay
NAGA CITY --- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon inspected flood control and infrastructure projects in Camarines Sur, including a revetment wall along the Bicol River in Naga City and bridges in Baao, as the government aims to strengthen flood protection and transportation in the province.
The completion of the revetment wall is expected to provide increased protection against flooding for residents of low-lying communities along the Bicol River.
Barangay Tabuco Chairperson Elisa Carmona mentioned that approximately 100 families previously had to evacuate due to flooding before this project was completed.
“This is a big help to our barangay,” Carmona said, expressing gratitude to the government for its efforts to mitigate flooding through flood control projects.
The project was part of the national government’s “Oplan Kontra Baha,” which is a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing flooding by improving and clearing waterways and drainage systems.
The revetment wall stands 3 meters high and extends 531 meters along the Bicol River. The project, which cost P125 million, was completed in June and was designed to protect nearby low-lying communities from flooding.
On October 1, Dizon and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo inspected the area. Dizon noted that the project aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the completion of unfinished projects before initiating new ones.
“There used to be a 500-meter gap here. The President wants to prioritize closing the gaps and finishing the unfinished projects,” Dizon said, emphasizing the role of local government units and civil society groups in monitoring government projects.
The DPWH chief has committed to completing the Almeda-Mabolo Bypass Road by mid-2027. He noted that this project will help alleviate traffic on diversion roads by allowing heavy vehicles to use an alternative route instead of passing through the city center.
During his visit to Baao, Dizon also inspected the old Agdangan and San Francisco bridges alongside Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte and 5th District Rep. Migz Villafuerte.
Dizon emphasized that retrofitting critical bridges is essential to ensure the safety of motorists and the continued delivery of goods in the region.
He stated that the bridge improvements are part of a large-scale rehabilitation project for the Maharlika and Rolando Andaya highways, with the bidding process set to take place in October.
“The strengthening of our bridges, especially the old ones, needs to be included in our Maharlika rehabilitation project,” Dizon said.
Dizon said that improvements to the two highways are already noticeable, but more extensive rehabilitation work is anticipated for next year.
Villafuerte expressed gratitude to the national government for visiting the province and inspecting its major infrastructure projects.
“It is proof that they really want to improve the highways that connect Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” he said.
He added that the provincial government will offer full support to the national government. (Nicole Frilles contributed to this story/ PIA 5-Camarines Sur)
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