LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remarked on the urgent need to address siltation during a situation briefing on the effects of Super Typhoon Julian in Ilocos Norte on Oct. 4 at the Provincial Capitol.
“I think it’s the main problem that we are facing… it’s the siltation. That’s what’s causing the damage that we are seeing. I think that’s the root problem,” said Marcos Jr.
Siltation happens when dirt and tiny particles settle at the bottom of rivers or lakes, making the water shallower, blocking waterways, and causing flooding.
In his presentation, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc discussed the provincial damage report concerning agriculture, infrastructure, and the impact on affected families and individuals.
The estimated cost of damage is valued at about P638.04 million for infrastructure and P305.88 million for agriculture, respectively.
The governor said there is a need to restore damaged roads, dikes, and bridges, also highlighting the need for a long-term solution to the siltation in the river systems of Ilocos Norte.
The president noted that many local rivers are now shallow.
Given the timeline for solving this problem, Marcos Jr. expressed his intention to seek assistance, stating, “I will talk to some major companies that specialize in siltation.”
He also mentioned the possibility of importing equipment from China or Taiwan and even suggested that a new large machine from San Miguel Corporation might be suitable.
He even agreed with the proposal of Governor Manotoc for a large-scale dredging of rivers through the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
At the end of the situation briefing, Marcos Jr. turned over P100 million in cash assistance to fund the provincial government’s rehabilitation efforts and augment the provision of immediate assistance to the calamity-stricken areas. (AMB/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)
