Marcos tasks DPWH to hasten flood control projects in Davao Region

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Thursday tasked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to hasten the completion of flood control projects in the Davao Region. 

In his remark during the distribution of aid to farmer and fisherfolk beneficiaries in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Marcos explained that the government's flood control project for the area is unique as this also stores water that can help the region's irrigation system.

''Nagbigay na rin po ako ng direktiba sa DPWH, sa Public Works, na pabilisin ang pagkumpleto sa mga natitirang flood control projects dito. Dahil po naramdaman po natin 'yung tagtuyot. 'Yung flood control project na po na 'yun, iba ang design na aming ginagawa,'' Marcos said in his speech.

(I already directed the DPWH to hasten the completion of the remaining flood control projects here. Because of the drought we experienced. These flood control projects have a unique design.) 

''Ang flood control project ngayon po na iyon ay hindi lamang para sa flood control. Nag-iipon din tayo ng tubig para sa irigasyon, para sa fresh water supply ng mga iba’t ibang household at lalagyan po natin kung kakayanin po, lalagyan po natin yan ng solar,'' he added. 

(This flood control project is not only for flood control. It also stores water for irrigation, for the fresh water supply of various households, and if possible, we can also put solar here.) 

Marcos said more than 1,000 families in 16 barangays in the Davao Region have been affected by the El Niño weather phenomenon. He added that the drought has caused P50 million worth of damage to farmers and fisherfolk. 

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed cash aid worth P10,000 to beneficiaries while Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez provided five kilos of rice to each of the attendees.

During the program, Marcos led the distribution of P10,000 cash assistance to 10 beneficiaries from three provinces, as well as P10 million each to the provincial governments of Davao Del Norte, Davao De Oro and Davao Oriental.

Later in the day, Marcos cited the ongoing infrastructure projects spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), such as the Matanao-Kiblawan-Padada Road and Junction Matti-Aurora Bypass Road.

He said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is also involved in the construction of various facilities, including the Tubalan and Poblacion ports in Malita; the Balut Island and Mabila ports in Sarangani; and the Balangonan Port in Jose Abad Santos. 

Marcos said these projects are in addition to the Mindanao Railway Project Phase 1, which extends from Digos City to Davao and Tagum. He said the government is looking for more funds to complete the project. —KBK/VBL, GMA Integrated News