In anticipation of heavy rainfall that could trigger flash floods in the low-lying villages of Solsona, Ilocos Norte, the local government unit (LGU) has initiated dredging of silted rivers and creeks, reports the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
On Friday, some LGU personnel who know how to operate a backhoe, worked with Mayor Alexander Calucag’s supervision to strengthen the flood control dike in Barangay Lipay in order to secure residents living in highly-vulnerable areas.
Barangay Lipay is among Solsona’s villages that get isolated whenever a strong typhoon hits the province.
According to Mayor Calucag , “ pre-disaster preparedness is a priority program ” of his administration as it aims for a zero casualty during natural and man-made calamities. “ We want to ensure the protection o f our constituents so as early as now, we need to prepare for the worst ,” he said.
While watching the ongoing dredging activity on a silted stream in Barangay Nagpatpatan using a newly-purchased backhoe of the Solsona government, residents here expressed gratitude to the local government for thinking of their welfare.
According to PNA, in just a span of two years, the Calucag administration has acquired heavy equipment worth more than PHP35 million to beef-up disaster response and to fast track delivery of basic services to the people.
The equipment include, among others, a backhoe, 10-wheeler truck, wheel loader, tractor head and a 6×6 military cargo truck with crane.