Solon urges PBBM to restore Albay’s flood control structures

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

SEVERE Tropical Storm Kristine, which struck over a month ago, left vast tracts of rice land in Albay devastated by flooding. Rep. Fernando Cabredo of Albay’s 3rd District has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the rehabilitation of damaged flood control structures to protect communities and help farmers replant their crops.

Cabredo highlighted that the dike in San Agustin, Libon, constructed 17 years ago during the tenure of former Governor and now Ligao City Mayor Fernando Gonzalez, collapsed due to the rampaging floods mixed with volcanic materials. Over 500 hectares of rice-land were submerged, endangering farmers’ livelihoods.

“I appeal to President Marcos to assist in restoring the flood control dike in San Agustin, Libon. If left unaddressed, more than 500 hectares of rice-land will remain vulnerable to flooding, preventing farmers from resuming their planting activities,” Cabredo said.

He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that flooding not only affects farmers but also poses significant risks to the residents of low-lying areas in Libon and Polangui. Cabredo also stressed the need for a comprehensive flood management system to mitigate the effects of lahar and floodwaters flowing from Mayon Volcano into the Bato Lake, which amplifies flooding in Albay and Camarines Sur.

The congressman expressed optimism about President Marcos’ announcement to revive the Bicol River Basin Development Project (BRBDP), calling it a crucial step toward a long-term solution for flood management in the region.

Engr. Mark Cloyd G. So, acting division manager of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), reported that 1,955.75 hectares of rice-land, covering 2,271 farmers, were affected by the destruction of flood control structures. He outlined the scope of the required repairs, which include slope protection works and restoration of irrigation systems under the NIA-DPWH Convergence Program.

The damage extended to communal irrigation systems in Ligao, Pioduran, Oas, and Libon, affecting a total of 3,439.30 hectares and 4,414 farmers in Albay’s 3rd District.

“The immediate rehabilitation of these flood control structures is vital to restore irrigation systems and enable farmers to resume planting crops,” So stated.

Rep. Fernando Cabredo visits farmers in San Agustin, Libon, whose rice-lands were devastated by flooding mixed with volcanic materials during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine last October 22, 2024. Photo also shows A couple inspects their flooded rice-land, which was covered in volcanic debris during the storm’s devastation.