Iloilo: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the completion of a significant flood control structure valued at PHP96.4 million in Alimodian town, Iloilo. This development is anticipated to provide substantial benefits to local communities by mitigating flood risks.

According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH 6 (Western Visayas) Director Sanny Boy Oropel highlighted that the project in Barangay Bagumbayan comprises a 665-lineal meter revetment wall supported by a steel sheet foundation. The structure is designed to manage floodwaters effectively, especially during adverse weather, by diverting, storing, and releasing them in a controlled manner. This approach aims to reduce sedimentation and pollution in the river, thereby preventing riverbank erosion.

Oropel emphasized that the flood control structure would protect the nearby Aganan Bridge from potential damage caused by surging waters, ensuring continuous access for travelers and facilitating the seamless transportation of goods and
services. He further noted that the project would safeguard the livelihoods of communities along the Jaro-Aganan River, which rely heavily on agriculture and animal raising, thereby fostering economic development in the region. The project was executed by DPWH-Iloilo’s 4th District Engineering Office.

In a related development, the DPWH has also completed the retrofitting of the Don Mariano Marcos Bridge on the Abra-Kalinga Road, enhancing transportation safety and infrastructure resilience in Dolores, Abra. The retrofitting project involved repairing and upgrading the bridge, which connects Barangays Bumagcat, Tayum, and Mudiit, to meet current seismic load requirements and adhere to the latest design standards.

DPWH-Cordillera Khadaffy Tanggol explained that the strengthening works included the installation of carbon fiber to bolster the 50-year-old bridge’s structure and its earthquake resistance. The use of carbon fiber, known for its lightweight and durable properties, offers a cost-effective solution t
o reduce long-term maintenance costs. This retrofitting project, valued at PHP96.5 million, was funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act and completed three months ahead of schedule by DPWH-Abra’s District Engineering Office.