The around P23 million worth of floodgate project in Sitio Aplaya Barangay Pangapisan North in Lingayen town, Pangasinan during an inspection by Pangasinan 2nd district Rep. Mark Cojuangco on Monday (Jan. 13, 2025). The project already prevents flooding in the residence of around 1,400 families even at 60 percent completion as of December last year. (PNA photo by Hilda Austria)
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The P23-million floodgate project in Sitio Aplaya, Barangay Pangapisan North here already prevents flooding in a residential area of around 1,400 families even at 60 percent completion.
“Tuwang tuwa ang mga residente, pati na ang school. Naibsan na ang pagbaha na almost 24 years na dinadanas ng mga residente (The residents are really glad, even the school officials. The 24-year problem of flooding in the area has beeb addressed),” said Pangapisan North barangay captain Jojo Viray, in a phone interview, Wednesday.
He said the flooding caused by high tide and the rainy season is so perennial that the small community is called Water World.
Construction of the project, funded under the 2024 national budget, started in February last year.
It is composed of a flood gate to prevent water from the Lingayen Gulf from entering the community during high tide and machine-operated pumps to remove accumulated water during the rainy season or storm surge.
“Sixty percent is already finished. So, it will be finished within the year (by) March or April. There’s a second pump on standby, just in case the rain is too heavy,” Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Mark Cojuangco said in an interview.
He said the pumps will only be used when high tide and heavy rain occur simultaneously.
“During low tide, the gate is open and water comes out. Before high tide, the gate is closed,” he said.
Cojuangco said the project is part of the program to construct floodgates and sea walls along the Lingayen Gulf, which was allocated P139 million.
However, some residents opposed the project, claiming that it would hamper their livelihoods because they would not be able to dock their boats safely.
The other five floodgate projects will be constructed in Villa Maniboc, Alvear Street, PNP Road in Libsong East, Libsong West in Lingayen, and Buenlag in Binmaley. (PNA)