Minalin: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday began dredging operations on the Gugu River, along the Bacolor-Sto. Tomas-Minalin Tail Dike in Minalin, Pampanga.
According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon stated that the initiative aims to prevent flooding during the rainy season, highlighting that the riverbed had not been deepened for 15 years. He emphasized the government's commitment to protecting residents from potential flooding hazards.
In an interview during the inspection with Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis Pineda and Minalin Mayor Philip Naguit, Dizon assured the local population that the administration is taking proactive measures to prevent significant flooding in Minalin. He noted the deployment of heavy equipment to deepen the river, which functions as a vital catchment basin.
Dizon expressed gratitude towards San Miguel Corporation and its president Ramon S. Ang for providing additional machinery to support the operations. He mentioned that the dredging efforts will be intensified, with a new dredging machine set to be deployed at Sapang Labuan to remove sand, lahar, and silt, directing them towards Manila Bay.
He further explained that the current dredging machine, being nearly 20 years old, is operational for only three hours a day. In contrast, the new equipment, arriving soon, will enable continuous dredging activities, thus enhancing the project's efficiency and effectiveness.
