Tuesday, July 01, 2008 [ manilatimes.net ]
BACOLOR, Pampanga: The provincial government is rushing the desilting of Gugu Creek in this lahar-buried town to save tributary barangays from massive flooding this rainy season.
Provincial capitol authorities have urged barangay officials in barangays Cabalantian, Mesalipit, Talba and Tinajero in the mobilization of resources in Gugu creek’s desilting project. Chief Jomar Hizon of Cabalantian offered the services of his two dump trucks and three backhoes while the provincial government will continue to provide fuel and lubricants needed by the heavy machineries.
Other barangay officials, on the other hand, will provide food supplies and other needs of the heavy equipment operators.
Gov. Ed Panlilio, chairman of Task Force Gugu, ordered recently the immediate desilting of Gugu Creek. Desilting operations are being undertaken through pooled resources from regional agencies, local governments, civil societies and other stakeholders.
The Department of Public Works and Highways provided equipment and the technical description of the area during the initial stage of the desilting efforts. Barangay Chairman Jomar Hizon of Cabalantian also volunteered backhoes. The Capitol has released an initial funding of P700,000 for fuel needs while civil society groups monitored the progress of the undertaking.
The establishment of a one-kilometer dike on the eastern bank and an 800-meter long similar structure on the west side represented the first phase of the desilting work. At present, the dikes are about two meters in height, but will have to be raised to four meters with a top surface width of 8 to 10 meters. The dikes serve as alternative farm to market roads for the people of Sto. Tomas and Minalin in order to gain access to commerce in Bacolor.
In April of this year, the desilting of the Gugu Creek was stopped when Mayor Romeo Dungca of Bacolor refused to cooperate, did not allow quarry operators to enter their designated areas along Gugu, and caused negotiations with the mayor failed.--Mark Louie P. Roxas
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