La trinidad: A flood control project constructed at the strawberry farm in La Trinidad, Benguet is proving to be beneficial, helping to quickly drain floodwaters that used to inundate the area during heavy rainfall.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Roderick Awingan, in a media interview on Tuesday, stated that the project, built in 2021, has helped water subside in a matter of hours, a significant improvement from the days it used to take before. He noted that while the project was officially a “drainage project” implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways, there are areas that need improvement for enhanced effectiveness.

The persistent flooding during the rainy season previously affected not only the strawberry plantation but also damaged the surrounding souvenir shops. Despite not fully solving the problem, the project has had a noticeable positive impact. Awingan highlighted the improvements, mentioning that water now subsides in a few hours compared to several days before the implementation of the flood control measures.

He identified the remaining issue as the water’s exit near the Balili river, where the large volume of water from the Bolo creek struggles to exit due to the Balili’s water volume. Awingan emphasized the importance of finding a definitive solution over assigning blame, asserting that the community’s welfare is the priority.

In response to the ongoing challenges, Awingan has met with municipal engineers to devise both short-term and long-term solutions. He reiterated the necessity of public consultation for transparency in infrastructure projects.