Slope protection structure built for a secured community along Binalbagan River

Lives, properties, and livelihoods of the residents of Hacienda Alicante in Barangay Bungahin in Isabela, Negros Occidental are now secured with the construction of a slope protection structure.

The project is implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Negros Occidental 2^nd District Engineering Office, in the amount of ₱71.3 million.

The project involves the construction of a 386-lineal meter concrete slope protection on a steel sheet pile upstream of Alicante Bridge along the junction of Bagonawa-La Castellana-Isabela Road. It also includes the construction of a pile cap and parapet wall.

Citing from the report of District Engineer Allan Rey R. Pajimna, Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the structure is protecting hundreds of families near the riverbanks, especially when heavy rains occur.

“When heavy rains occur, the volume of water rushes along Binalbagan River, causing water overflow and soil erosion. With this structure, erosion of the river banks is prevented and overflow of water is minimized, protecting the lives and properties of the people nearby,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.

Residents are grateful for the construction of the said flood control structure which is very beneficial in protecting their lives, properties, and sources of income.

“Without the slope protection, our houses, animals, and agricultural products would be swept away by the flood especially when typhoons or heavy rains hit our area. Now we are less worried and we are very thankful to the DPWH for this significant project,” Mrs. Nilda E. Trabuco, a local resident said.

Flood control structures are designed to protect coastal and river banks, including urban and agricultural communities, homes, and other economically valuable areas, and the people situated within them. By keeping water out, flood control structures lessen harm to physical infrastructure and help to ensure the continuation of the communities’ economic and social activity.

Hence, as its contribution, DPWH continues to build quality, safe, and environment-friendly public infrastructures such as slope protection structures that will improve the life of every Filipino. (DPWH-6)