San Simon Residents Urge Local Government to Revive Waterways for Flood Control

Residents of San Simon, Pampanga, are calling on their local government to lead the search and revival of irrigation channels, road canals, creeks, rivers, and swamplands to ease flooding in the town and along sections of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx). Resident Bella Parungao emphasized that these waterways, when properly functioning, can significantly mitigate the severity of floods. San Simon historically had a network of waterways that aided in natural flood management. However, urbanization and infrastructure development have led to the reclamation or obstruction of many of these channels, diminishing their capacity. This results in inadequate drainage during heavy rainfall, making the entire town more susceptible to flooding. Local residents are strongly advocating for the local government to develop and implement a plan to identify, clear, dredge, and, where feasible, restore these lost waterways to their original condition. Flooding along the NLEx, in particular, disrupts transportation and hinders economic activities, necessitating urgent action. Past experiences in various parts of the Philippines have shown that when communities and local governments collaborate on waterway maintenance and restoration, flood frequency and damage can be reduced. In San Simon, the residents' plea is expected to be the first step towards sustainable flood control measures. Information Source: Inquirer NewsInfo