Revilla seeks remedy to weather-hit roads in CL

ARAYAT, Pampanga— Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Works, wants to build roads in Central Luzon that can withstand the devastating effects of climate change.

Revilla has appealed to the Department of Public Works and Highways to make sure that damaged infrastructure, particularly in Pampanga, will be repaired or reconstructed using materials and designs that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

He cited as example the Arnedo Dike here, which had already breached, resulting in the flooding of several villages in Pampanga during typhoons.

The lawmaker visited the said dike after the onslaught of the back-to-back typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel.”

“Sa nakikitanatinmahinana halos angmga dikes that run through Pampanga and stretches back to Nueva Ecija. Dapattalagang i-strengthen o i-climate-change proof (As what we have seen, the dikes that run through Pampanga and stretches back to Nueva Ecija are weak. They really need to be strengthened or made climate-change proof),” the senator said.

He said he had already inspected the dike six years ago after a severe flooding and he recalled that a section of it had been restored.

“Ang Arnedo Dike ay 70 years old na.Talagangkailangangayusinulit at patibayin (Arnedo Dike is already 70 years old. There is a dire need to fix and fortify it),” he said.

The lawmaker further pointed out that the realignment is only justifiable considering the extent of destruction and distress caused by rising floodwaters.

He also said that the national government should realign the funds intended for road projects to upgrade flood control infrastructures all over the country.

“There is a need to reduce damage of properties and number of casualties during the onslaught of typhoons by aligning the funds intended for infrastructure projects,” Revilla said.