Albay Representative Adrian Salceda has appealed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to allow the construction of flood control projects that are deemed necessary, based on scientific and evidence-based prioritization.
Salceda, in a statement on Monday, after Super Typhoon Uwan ravaged through Bicol Region and different parts of Luzon, said that many structures damaged by previous cyclones were not repaired due to the ban on flood control projects.
Authorities resorted to placing sandbags, but according to Salceda, the sandbags eventually gave way to floodwaters-highlighting the need for proper flood control projects.
‘Because of the national ban on flood control projects, many structures that were damaged by Typhoon Kristine remain unrepaired. During Typhoon Uwan, we conducted temporary sandbagging operations that delayed the entry of floodwaters long enough for our evacuation efforts to be completed. Eventually, the sandbags gave way,’ Salceda said.
‘We therefore appeal to the Department of Public Works and Highways to prioritize appropriate, scientific, and evidence-based flood control projects for the district,’ he added.
According to Salceda, over 25,000 families in his district were evacuated, prompting relief operations-distribution of food packs in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
However, the lawmaker said their current supply can only cover 10,000 families, which means they would need additional aid to cover all affected households.
‘Our district experienced the full impact of (Super) Typhoon Uwan, with winds reaching Signal No. 4. Preemptive evacuation was carried out across all municipalities and the lone city in the 3rd district of Albay. At least 25,000 families were evacuated, and this number could be higher pending validation with the respective local government units,’ Salceda said.
‘Relief operations are ongoing. We are distributing food packs to affected communities and are closely coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to expand coverage. Our current supply is sufficient for around 10,000 families, but we will need additional assistance to reach all affected households,’ he added.
Roads in Albay’s 3rd district are being cleared while power service is being restored, Salceda noted.
‘The [DPWH] has begun deploying equipment for road clearance, while the Bureau of Fire Protection and other agencies are assisting in clearing debris and flushing silt from the streets so that normal activities can resume as soon as possible,’ he said.
‘We are also working closely with the Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco) to restore power in affected areas as soon as it is safe to do so. A zero-casualty record was achieved in all municipalities except the town of Libon, which unfortunately reported one fatality. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family,’ he added.
Uwan, which had a diameter of over 1,600 kilometers, barreled through a huge part of Luzon and Visayas. The super typhoon’s impact, which came after Typhoon Tino hit Visayas and Mindanao, prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare the country under a state of calamity for a year.
At its peak, Uwan packed maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (km/h), and gustiness of up to 230 km/h. Coupled with Uwan’s wide diameter, over one million individuals from disaster-prone areas were evacuated.
Palay-buying
Salceda also said that they will launch a palay-buying operation using funds from the DSWD’s Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), to assist farmers affected by Uwan.
‘In the coming weeks, we will also launch a palay-buying operation in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, using AKAP Rice funds. This initiative will allow us to buy palay directly from farmers at higher prices, helping absorb the harvests we encouraged them to complete before the typhoon’s landfall,’ he said.
‘Although we recorded minimal loss of life, this should not be taken to mean that our district no longer needs help. The zero-casualty record reflects our preparedness, but the physical and economic damage remains extensive. We appeal to the national government and to relief organizations for sustained support as we begin the work of recovery and rehabilitation,’ he added.
Earlier reports stated that the heavy rains over Albay triggered the flow of lahar from Mayon Volcano, down to several towns in the province.
In Guinobatan town, the volcanic deposits along the slopes of Mayon Volcano were mobilized by the heavy rains, causing lahar flow in the villages of Masarawag.
Guinobatan sits in Albay’s 3rd District.
Also, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol said that 167 villages in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes are still experiencing flooding, while water levels in 26 others had begun receding.