President Marcos orders Sabo Dam construction to prevent flooding

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the construction of Sabo Dams and the installation of barriers upstream of the Sto. Cristo Dam in Pampanga. This directive follows an inspection where it was discovered that the dam was not damaged but was instead clogged by debris, including logs likely from illegal logging activities. This blockage caused water to divert, damaging a wall and a nearby house.

During his visit to flood-hit areas in Central Luzon, including Tarlac, Zambales, and Pampanga, the President also directed agencies to expedite repairs on damaged infrastructure, such as the Aquino and Agana bridges. He facilitated the distribution of relief and cash assistance to approximately 1,000 affected families in Zambales.

Additionally, the administration is emphasizing the strict enforcement of ‘no-build zone’ policies by local government units to mitigate flooding. Officials noted that the effectiveness of existing climate and flood policies is often undermined by corruption and the failure to clear waterways of garbage and illegal structures.