Concepcion, Tarlac Mayor Noel Villanueva said Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon told himthat the Department of Public Works and Highways would look for quick response funds to complete the unfinished ground-sill project along the Parua River in barangay San Martin.
Villanueva said he discussed the project with Dizon over the phone amid concerns over continued riverbank erosion and potential flooding in the area.
‘He said he would look for funds under the quick response fund,’ Villanueva said.
Villanueva said he also told Dizon that if funds were not immediately available, he hoped the project could instead be included in the proposed 2027 General Appropriations Act.
The mayor expressed appreciation for Dizon’s prompt response and willingness to seek funding for the project.
‘He immediately responded and assured me that they would look for funding to complete the unfinished ground-sill project,’ Villanueva said.
The unfinished structure and damaged riverbank protection have raised concerns in barangay San Martin and nearby barangay Lilibangan, Magao, and Castillo.
Villanueva earlier said about 5,000 families and around 2,000 hectares of agricultural and residential areas could be affected if riverbank erosion worsens.
The local government has documented damage to river protection structures in San Martin and Magao. An inspection in August found further deterioration following continuous heavy rainfall.
In San Martin, the report said the ground-sill structure has narrowed the effective river-flow section from about 260 meters to 45 meters. It recommended an engineering and hydraulic assessment to determine the structure’s capacity and compatibility with the existing river channel, along with immediate repairs to damaged riverbank protection.
About 50 meters of the ground-sill project remains unfinished, according to San Martin Barangay Captain Francisco Manalo, who said the project ran out of funds.
Villanueva had earlier said he would formally ask DPWH officials for immediate action and funding to complete the project, including appropriate rectification of the ground sill and technical assessment and rehabilitation of damaged river protection structures.
Villanueva said the latest commitment from the DPWH chief could help address the urgent concerns along the Parua River as the municipality continues to monitor the affected areas.