The municipal government of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, has urged residents to exercise caution at the Dipaya spillway, warning against crossing whenever floodwaters rise and submerge the roadway.
The reminder stemmed from a concerned netizen who posted on social media the situation in Barangay Dipaya, with residents crossing the spillway over the weekend while the province was experiencing heavy rains due to the southwest monsoon or habagat.
In a statement, Labangan Mayor John Raymon Yu said the local government has already allocated P1.8 million for the construction of a suspension footbridge as an immediate intervention, while a permanent P80-million bridge project funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is in the pipeline.
‘These projects are being prepared in accordance with engineering requirements and procurement law. Implementation will proceed as soon as all legal processes are completed,’ Yu said.
The municipal government acknowledged the recurring difficulties faced by commuters, students, teachers, farmers, and residents whenever the river becomes impassable.
Authorities have tapped the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs) to monitor the area and enforce safety protocols.
‘For your safety, do not cross the bridge when the water is high. Follow the warnings and advisories of our authorities at all times. No destination is worth risking your life,’ Yu said.
He assured constituents that the municipal government remains committed to delivering the projects ‘as quickly as the law allows.’
‘We sincerely ask for your continued patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work toward a safer and more resilient crossing for the people of Dipaya,’ he added.