DPWH completes river wall to protect Silay communities

SILAY CITY, Negros Occidental—A newly built flood control structure along Magtagoy Creek in Barangay Rizal aims to safeguard residents and farmlands from the perennial risk of flooding.

Constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Negros Occidental 1st District Engineering Office, the ₱28.2-million project involves a 770-meter-long stone masonry wall with a 0.6-meter-wide capping.

The structure, along with embankment work and metallic-coated gabions, will bolster the creek’s capacity to handle heavy rains and mitigate erosion.

“This structure will directly benefit the residents living along the creek and those in the nearby subdivision, safeguarding their homes and livelihood from the possible flood devastation when heavy rains occur,” said DPWH Region 6 Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel.

District Engineer Dene B. Baldonado Jr. echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the role the structure will play in preserving agricultural lands along the creek.

“River banks will be protected from possible erosion that may damage the nearby agricultural lands and houses along the river. This will help ensure that our local farmers can conveniently go on with farming without worrying about potential harm,” Baldonado said.

The DPWH’s efforts come as a crucial response to the area’s long-standing flooding issues, particularly during typhoons.

By stabilizing the creek’s banks, the project also serves as an investment in the long-term resilience and safety of local communities.

In addition to this flood control structure, the DPWH continues to deliver essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and multi-purpose buildings to enhance public safety and improve access in Negros Occidental.