Nelson Morales

'Incomplete' flood control project in Hagonoy, Bulacan contributes to flooding, residents say

Article (news)

Daniza Fernandez

ABS-CBN News

Residents in Hagonoy, Bulacan blame what they say is an unfinished flood control project for the prolonged flooding in their area.Barangay Palapat in Hagonoy has been submerged in flood for about two weeks now following the monsoon rains and high tide.In some areas, flood are still waist-deep or about three feet. Residents need to wade through floods or use a boat to get around.According to residents, they are not new to flooding but recently, the water had been taking so long to subside. They say this began since the construction of the flood control project last year adding the project blocks the flow of water to the river.“Ngayon, dahil nga nakaharang ‘yung [flood control project] parang nahaharangan ‘yung tubig… Mahirap, malungkot,” meat vendor Sarah Talucod said.“Useless naman sa amin ‘yan ‘yung sinasabi nila na flood control [project] na ‘yan,” 72-year-old tricycle driver Estanislao Garcia said. “Basta’t dumating ‘yung panahon na ganto, tiyak nahihirapan na kami dahil unang-una sa pagkain, sa pagtulog, paglakad, paghahanapbuhay.”Garcia&#x27;s and Talucod&#x27;s livelihood have stalled for at least a week now.Barangay officials said 95% of the village is affected by floodwaters.“Ito, hindi naman ngayon lang namin na-experience… Pero parang lumalala na talaga ‘yung baha na nararanasan namin dito. Talagang ngayon lang tumatagal,” Barangay Palapat chairperson Enoc Casaje said.“Lubog po lahat ‘yun. Wala pong nakalitaw,” barangay councilor Freddie Aquino said.To date, there are about 40 families who have evacuated at Federico Suntay Elementary School.

Residents in Hagonoy, Bulacan blame what they say is an unfinished flood control project for the prolonged flooding in their area.

Residents in Hagonoy, Bulacan blame what they say is an unfinished flood control project for the prolonged flooding in their area.