Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday expressed hope that flood-hit communities in Bulacan can still recover, despite years of persistent and recurring flooding in several areas of the province.
In an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos on August 31, Dizon acknowledged that towns such as Hagonoy, Calumpit, and Paombong have long struggled with flooding because of their low-lying locations.
“Kaya nagpunta tayo diyan, pinapunta tayo ng Pangulo para kausapin ang mga kababayan diyan: Ayusin natin ‘yung mga binaboy ng mga nakaraang mga taon,“ Dizon said.
“Ako hindi pa ako nag-gi-giveup, sa tingin ko mayroong pag-asa diyan,” he said.
“Hindi mawawala ’yung baha dahil talagang napakababa po ng lugar na ’yan, pero tingin ko naman kahit papaano, mapapabuti naman natin ’yung sitwasyon diyan,” he added.
According to Dizon, the flooding situation in the affected areas has continued to worsen because solutions that should have been implemented were not carried out. He also alleged that funds intended for flood-control projects were stolen instead of being used to address the problem.
Dizon expressed sadness over the decades-long flooding experienced by Bulacan residents, saying the province’s low elevation means flooding may not be completely eliminated.
“Mayroong solusyon diyan [sa baha], ang problema hindi lang talaga ginawa. Ang nakakalungkot imbes na gawin ang solusyon, ninakaw lang ang pera. ‘Yun ang totoo diyan,” he added.
Dizon also recounted his conversations with residents during his visit, saying he saw their frustration and sense of helplessness after years of dealing with flooding.
“Noong nagpunta ako diyan, kausap ko yung kabbabayan natin diyan… Talagang magagalit ka kasi kapag nakita niyo sa mukha nila yung galit, ‘yung sense na helplessness na parang hindi na nila alam ‘yung gagawin nila,” he said.
“Hindi mo matatanggap ang ginawa diyan, kasi mayroon namang solusyon,” Dizon added.
Meanwhile, the public works chief said flooding in the affected areas is caused by a combination of heavy rainfall, water flowing down from the mountains, and high tide in Manila Bay.
The government is now developing plans to mitigate flooding in the affected towns, including the construction of detention basins that could temporarily hold excess water and reduce the severity of flooding, according to Dizon.
Despite the challenges, Dizon maintained that long-term solutions can still improve the situation in Bulacan, stressing that the government should continue working toward addressing the province’s recurring flooding problem.
