The Pampanga provincial government is requesting immediate help from the national government as intense rainfall from the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, triggers widespread flooding across numerous towns and cities in the province.
Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda pointed out that the low-lying municipalities of Macabebe and Masantol sit below sea level and naturally receive runoff from Nueva Ecija and the Sierra Madre mountain range. Their proximity to Pampanga Bay further compounds the crisis, keeping both communities submerged for extended periods.
According to Pineda, heavy siltation in Pampanga Bay has reduced its depth, causing floodwaters to backflow into nearby areas rather than draining outward into the sea.
To address the long-standing flood control issues, the governor identified extensive dredging as a vital solution. Deepening the bay and connected waterways would clear the way for the Pampanga River to discharge efficiently without overflowing into populated communities. The provincial government plans to collaborate with a Japanese firm to execute a feasibility study and pinpoint the most effective engineering measures.
During a recent meeting, Pineda personally asked Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian to convey the province’s critical situation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She stressed that prompt national intervention is crucial to safeguard Macabebe and Masantol from worsening submersion.
In response, Gatchalian committed to escalating Pampanga’s concerns directly to the President and the national cabinet. He confirmed ongoing coordination with Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, assuring local officials and residents that technical and engineering solutions are already being prepared to relieve the affected areas.