THE MARCOS government is looking at a proposed impounding system at the Candaba swamp in Pampanga province in northern Philippines as a long-term solution to Central Luzon’s flooding problem.
The proposal would be a part of the long-term plan, but the immediate needs include massive dredging of internal waterways and main river outflows, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said at a situation briefing in Pampanga.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. President Rogelio Singson, a former Public Works secretary, proposed the construction of a 200-hectare water impounding system at the swamp to prevent flooding in nearby low-lying areas.
A water impounding system is an earth fill structure built across a narrow depression or valley to harvest and store rainfall and runoff for immediate and multiple use.
Mr. Marcos Jr. said the government is also considering elevating certain structures in the province to ease heavy traffic.
“We’ll raise the North Luzon Expressway so that what recently happened will not happen again,” he said. “And then we will study alternative routes.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza
