P135-million seawall built to protect people of Banate from storm surges

The overflowing waters during strong typhoons is now controllable with the construction of a ₱135-million seawall protection with embankment located along the coastal area of Barangay Poblacion to Barangay Zona Sur in Banate, Iloilo.

Divided into two phases, the said structure, undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo 2^nd District Engineering Office, is expected to be completed by the end of the year with a current completion rate of 60.26%.

Citing from the report of District Engineer Sanny Boy O. Oropel, DPWH Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said Phase 1 involves the construction of 378-lineal meter seawall protection and Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) with wide concrete paving blocks, while Phase 2 involves the construction of 602-lineal meter seawall protection and PCCP, concrete paving blocks, and stone masonry.

“The seawall intends to control the overflowing of tidal waters during the typhoon and preserve the existing banks from further scouring caused by a strong current, preventing inundation in the said area,” RD Bueno explained.

“This concrete road will act as a by-pass road along the coastal areas of Banate to boost its agricultural and tourism economy,” added RD Bueno.

Meantime, District Engineer Sanny Boy O. Oropel Oropel asserted that the seawall’s construction has been recognized as one of Banate’s tourism attractions owing to its scenic location.

“With the construction of a seawall, it has also been envisioned as a tourist attraction in Banate given that it is located at the center of the municipality, enhancing the previously existing stunning sight along the coastline area,” DE Oropel explained. (DPWH-6)