The Department of Public Works and Highways has completed the construction of flood control infrastructure in Candon, Ilocos Sur, slope protection walls for a road in Laur, Nueva Ecija and a road in Polongui, Albay.

According to DPWH, the new Villarica-Bagar-Caterman-Flood Control Revetment Structure seeks to protect areas in Candon from flood.

DPWH Region 1 Director Ronnel Tan said on Thursday the completion of another 446-meter concrete revetment infrastructure now protects the agricultural community of Barangay Caterman from the adverse impacts of flooding, especially during prolonged rainstorms and intense typhoons.

“This flood control structure mitigates the risks of soil erosion and destruction of properties brought by the overflowing of the Candon River,” Tan said.

“With the newly added river wall, residents are ensured of their safety, especially during rainy and typhoon season,” he added.

The 50-million flood mitigation project began construction in April 2023 and was completed in September 2023 by the DPWH Ilocos Sur 2nd District Engineering Office.

For the other project, DPWH Regional Office III Director Roseller Tolentino said the slope protection walls along Jct. Tabang-Gabaldon Road in Barangay San Vicente in Laur will benefit motorists and residents of the town and Cabanatuan City.

According to Tolentino, the P15.01 million project now benefits an average of 5,100 daily motorists in the area.

“To enhance the access road’s safety and resilience, a 136-linear meter single-slop parapet wall with steel sheet pile foundations was built to prevent soil erosion and alleviate overflowing of sediments due to the road’s proximity in Pampanga River,” he added.

Meanwhile, a total of 2.23 kilometers of local road sections leading to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Barangay Kalikid Norte have been paved by the DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office.

The 18.6-million paving project is seen to significantly improve the connectivity of the agricultural communities in Barangay Kalikid Norte and Barangay Camp Tinio to the national road.

Tolentino said the completed access road had addressed the unceasing concerns of the residents about rough roads and water-filled potholes that cause accidents in the area.

Stretching 1.87 kilometer, the new two-lane concrete paved Gotob-Pinagdapugan Road is expected to provide a safer and more convenient access to the agricultural barangays of Gotob and Pinagdapugan in Polangui.

The road has shoulders, lined canals, box culverts as drainage, and slope protection along strategic areas. An additional safety feature is the solar-powered LED lights to improve road visibility at night.

The project cost P50 million.