DPWH builds seawall to safeguard coastal barangay in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

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Hundreds of families residing along the coastal barangay of Cabalagnan in the southern part of Nueva Valencia in Guimaras, are very vulnerable to flooding and seawater overflow, especially during typhoons, storm surges, and high tide.

Thus, to ensure the safety of the people and their properties and livelihood, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is speedily building two slope protection structures with a collective allocation of ₱120 million, for protection against the adverse effects of calamities.

Undertaken by DPWH, Guimaras District Engineering Office, these concrete structures are well-built slope protections that sit on steel sheet piles, that serve as a strong foundation against possible damage by the impact of strong seawater current.

OIC-Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel said these flood control structures are concrete edifices that could protect the lives and properties of the people from the possible threat of catastrophes and unwanted circumstances.

“With the construction of these structures, lives and properties, as well as the livelihood of the people living along the coastal areas, will be protected against the possible adverse effects of flooding, water overflows and erosion that may be brought about by typhoons, storm surges and high tide,” OIC-RD Sanny Boy O. Oropel said.

“These structures include improvement of fishing port that will significantly benefit our fisherfolks by providing them docking site, easing their access in transferring their catch from boats to the land, that could help them earn more for their families and daily needs,” Oropel added.

The improvement of the fishing port in Barangay Cabalagnan will help improve the transportation, economic and tourism development in the area. This fishing port serves as the main access in going to the island barangays of Panobolon, Unisan and Guiwanon. Thus, these infrastructure projects will provide residents with safer and improved access in availing government services on the main island.

“The improved port will offer a better travel experience going to Yato Island and Isla Bali in Barangay Panobolon, encouraging more local and foreign tourists to visit these serene places, which will eventually lead to increased tourism turn-out,” Oropel stressed.

The ₱60-million flood mitigation structure involves the construction of an approximately 100-lineal meter long, 0.23-meter thick concrete seawall including the construction of a 3.35-meter wide sidewalk and installation of solar LED lights for the safety and convenience of the people in the community and visibility of the area especially at night.

Another ₱60 million was poured for the construction of an 80-meter-long seawall with an 11.7-meter long, 0.23-meter wide concrete seawall including an 11.7-meter wide sidewalk with parking space, concrete slope protection and solar LED lights. (DPWH-6)