Bokod: Village officials of Ambuklao in Bokod, Benguet, have appealed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to order the immediate dredging of the Upper Agno River and construction of flood-control projects to address the community's growing flood risk. Ambuklao Barangay Captain Reynaldo Tello emphasized the urgency of the situation, as continuing sediment buildup has significantly reduced the river's capacity to safely carry water.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tello expressed his concerns in a letter to President Marcos, received by the Office of the President on August 25, and shared with the media this week. The letter highlighted that the rising water levels during strong typhoons and prolonged rainfall pose serious risks to nearby homes, properties, farms, and the lives of residents. The village, home to the Ibaloi tribe, also hosts the Ambuklao Dam with a capacity of 327 million cubic meters and a hydroelectric power plant generating 105 megawatts.
Tello's letter called for a comprehensive technical assessment of the Upper Agno River and upstream areas of the Ambuklao and Binga reservoirs. It urged immediate dredging, desilting, and river-channel improvements in high-risk areas, alongside the construction or rehabilitation of flood-control structures to protect vulnerable communities. The appeal also sought sufficient national government funding and coordinated action among the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Power Corp., local government units, and other concerned agencies.
In an interview, Tello highlighted the sacrifices made by Ambuklao residents, who gave up ancestral lands and properties for a project benefiting millions of Filipinos. Despite these sacrifices, the same families continue to face flooding due to the river's overflow. Residents have recently undertaken efforts to rescue livestock from areas inundated by overflowing water, including residential areas, pigpens, and chicken coops. Agricultural products have also suffered damage.
Tello explained that the river's inability to carry the volume of water, exacerbated by siltation, has caused the riverbed to rise. Sediment and gravel have covered agricultural lands, forcing some residents to relocate to higher ground and build new homes. He emphasized the need for immediate dredging and desilting, coupled with appropriate flood-control structures, to mitigate the risks faced by residents. However, Tello noted that local government units cannot afford such extensive work due to its scale and cost.
