CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Business executives here have called on government leaders to resolve flooding in this capital city and adjoining towns, calling on them to set aside partisan politics which has put residents, enterprises and even local economy in peril.
“Local government leaders here must get their act together. We are both saddened and infuriated how politics have come in the way to resolve problems like floods,” businessman Rene Romero said.
Romero was reacting to reports that the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here has disapproved P5 million for desilting and declogging of waterways in a supplemental budget being requested by Mayor Vilma Calauag.
The funds request was an offshoot of recent massive and unprecedented flooding last month due to Typhoon Carina and heavy monsoon rains that clogged canals and waterways. The incident has inundated many areas and rendered major thoughfares here including the San Fernando Intersection, a vital link that leads to almost all towns and cities of Pampanga. As of this writing, netizens have been posting of another episode of flooding in this city. (See related photos)
“Just stop the politicking please! I believe the recent unprecedented flooding occurred because our city’s canals and waterways need to be unclogged and desilted. It’s disheartening to learn that the City Council has disapproved a budget meant to prevent future flooding. Does the council want the city to experience flood again? Wouldn’t it help if they approved the budget and cleared the canals? I can’t understand why they wouldn’t approve it. I was told there are untapped funds,” Romero said.
“If I may be clear, I am not endorsing the request for supplemental budget by the Office of the Mayor. What the city needs is for our leaders to set aside politics and work together for common good like addressing flooding in the city among other issues that affect public safety and order,” Romero added.
It can be recalled that the majority of the SP, headed by Vice Mayor Benedict Jasper Lagman, come from a political group that did not support Caluag in the 2023 elections. Observers say that varying political leanings of the mayor and the SP members have stalled many projects.
Romero has noted that in the administration of former mayors Oscar Rodriguez and Edwin Santiago that the canals and waterways were well-maintained because the “necessary funds were readily available”.
The disapproved P5 million for clearing, declogging and desilting would have allocated a million peso each to: 1. Cafe Rustico to St. Jude at Dolores; 2. PLDT to Gulf Gasoline Station Sn Fdo to Lubao Road; 3. PLDT to Lelut Baculud; 4. 7-11 to Prime Water in Lourdes, CSFP; and, 5. Assumption Creek at Del Pilar.
Relatedly, the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) has called on DPWH Director Roseller Tolentino to lead the preparation of a proincewide Flood Mitigation Masterplan.
In a letter, the PamCham said it is “crucial that the DPWH leads the development of an integrated flood mitigation strategy encompassing both upstream and downstream areas. A contiguous plan covering the entire province is necessary to effectively manage water flow and protect both urban and rural communities from future flood risks.”
“We respectfully urge your office to consider taking the lead in coordinating this comprehensive effort, and we assure you of our full support in this initiative. Together, we can establish a flood control system that is both efficient and sustainable for the entire province,” the letter stated.
