CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) -- The construction of three flood control structures along Peñaranda River in Nueva Ecija’s 4th legislative district is in full swing.

These projects are located in Barangays San Vicente and Pambuan in Gapan City, and Barangay Sto. Tomas in Peñaranda town.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineer Elpidio Trinidad highlighted the recent commencement of construction for the concrete river walls on steel sheet pile foundations, emphasizing their integration with existing structures to enhance resident protection.

"These river control structures feature a 10-meter-wide dike road, providing improved access for maintenance and surveillance, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of flood control measures,” Trinidad explained.

The flood mitigating structures are also proposed to be utilized as a bypass road connecting Gapan and Peñaranda, thereby avoiding traffic congestion on primary roads.

Meanwhile, Assistant District Engineer Robert Jay Panaligan emphasized the role of these projects in bolstering community resilience to unforeseen events, enabling locals to withstand and recover from flooding incidents more effectively.

“Upon completion, residents can expect increased safety within their homes and communities, with reduced exposure to flooding risks, as well as improvements to transportation infrastructure," Panaligan noted.

These infrastructures will also regulate water flow, curbing erosion along the riverbanks and contributing to the preservation of the cleanliness of the Peñaranda River as it flows towards the Minalungao National Eco Park.

DPWH allotted P396.98 million for these structures under the 2024 national budget.

As of February 26, the San Vicente project is at 50 percent completion, Pambuan at 50.02 percent, and Sto. Tomas at 49.98 percent. (MJSC/CLJD-PIA 3)