Marcos orders completion of disaster mitigation projects in Cagayan Valley

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday tasked concerned government offices to finish disaster mitigation projects in Cagayan Valley to address flood woes in the region.

Marcos made the statement during the distribution of Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families in Ilagan City, Isabela.

"Para sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno at lokal na pamahalaan, siguruhin natin na matapos ang mga proyektong ito upang maibsan ang panganib at pinsalang dulot ng madalas na pagbaha," Marcos said in his speech.

(To all government agencies and the local government, ensure the completion of these projects to ease the danger and adverse effects brought by floods.)

Among the President's priorities were the flood control structures, irrigation systems, and rehabilitation initiatives on major river basins and dams in Cagayan Valley.

Marcos said construction is ongoing for the flood mitigation project along the Pinacanauan de Tumauini River in Cagayan, also known as the Tumauini River Multipurpose Project.

The said project is expected to irrigate 8,200 hectares of agricultural land and benefit around 5,860 local farmers.

Meanwhile, the review of master plans for key river basins in the country is also being conducted, Marcos said.

"Sa kasalukuyan, pinag-aaralan na natin [ang] mga master plans para sa major river basins sa bansa, gaya ng Cagayan River Basin," Marcos said.

(At present, we are studying the master plans for the major river basins in the country, such as the Cagayan River Basin.)

The government is also doing work on Magat Dam, Marcos added.

The Balasig Small Reservoir Irrigation Project, which aims to enhance flood mitigation, is also expected to provide reliable irrigation water in Isabela province by utilizing the Balasig River, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

On the other hand, the Tuguegarao Circumferential Dike Road Project, which seeks to protect nearby communities by stabilizing riverbank soil and increasing the river's drainage capacity, was also being monitored by concerned agencies.

Meanwhile, the flood control structures along the Cagayan River, particularly in Barangay Anao, Roxas, Isabela; and Sta. Maria, Isabela have already been completed. — VDV, GMA Integrated News