The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to complete by November 16 the installation of a high-grade floodwater interceptor pipe along Bolo Creek, which is expected to significantly reduce flooding in the famed strawberry farms of Barangay Betag, La Trinidad.
DPWH Benguet First District Engineering Office acting planning chief Romulado Apalias said the ₱177-million project aims to lessen flood depth and duration, benefiting over 700 farmers who have long struggled with recurring inundation.
Flooding from Bolo Creek—worsened by recent heavy rains and typhoons such as Crising, Emong, and Nando—has repeatedly damaged strawberry crops and delayed fruit-bearing seasons, hurting both farmers and local tourism.
The project involves laying an armored polyethylene corrugated drainage pipe stretching 348 meters upstream to channel floodwater directly into the Balili River. A pump will also be installed to aid water flow during peak levels.
Mayor Roderick Awingan expressed optimism that the project will finally end the yearly flooding woes. “Hopefully, this will stop the social media criticism whenever our strawberry plants get submerged,” he said.
Barangay Betag, home to the 44-hectare strawberry farm and a major tourist draw, is expected to see improved resilience against flooding once the project is completed.
