La trinidad: La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan is optimistic that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will finally address more than two decades of flooding at the town's strawberry farms. This hope comes after Secretary Vince Dizon visited the area and committed to implementing both short- and long-term solutions.
According to Philippines News Agency, Awingan expressed gratitude for Dizon's visit, noting that it allowed the Secretary to see the situation firsthand and propose solutions to the persistent flooding issue. The mayor is hopeful that these plans will be acted upon swiftly, as flooding significantly impacts local residents and businesses.
Awingan mentioned that the municipal government would be working closely with Benguet State University, the owner of the land occupied by the strawberry farmers and other small enterprises. During Dizon's visit, DPWH engineers suggested several measures to tackle the flooding problem.
For an immediate resolution, the DPWH plans to dredge Bolo Creek, a crucial waterway where the farm's excess water drains into the Balili River. Additionally, a floodgate will be installed to prevent water from flowing back into the creek, which exacerbates flooding.
The department also plans to clear silt from the drainage canals. For a long-term solution, Dizon announced the construction of a larger drainage canal to better facilitate the discharge of floodwater from the strawberry farms to the Balili River. A water containment facility is also in the works to store floodwater for future irrigation use.
Awingan accompanied DPWH engineers during several site inspections at the strawberry farms before Dizon's visit. He has also been in communication with the DPWH Cordillera regional office and presented the flooding issue to the infrastructure committee of the Regional Development Council.
The mayor highlighted that the flooding not only affects La Trinidad's residents and businesses but also has wider regional implications, as several regional government offices are situated in flood-prone areas.
