The Task Force Build Back Better (TF BBB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) finished the first phase of its dredging and widening activity along Marikina River.
From the 70 meter wide Marikina River, its portions in Barangays Baranka, Calumpang, and Industrial Valley Complex are now 20 to 30 meters wider and two meters in depth.
During the launch of the Build Back Better’s second phase on Wednesday (July 21), DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu said, “‘Yung pag-widen nito ay nakatulong para sa mabilis na [pagbaba] ng tubig na bumabagsak.”
The second phase of the restoration project will cover some barangays in Pasig City, and is expected to be completed within four to five months.
As part of their disaster risk management, the Marikina City local government unit has increased the number of its evacuation centers from 22 to 50, to ensure the observance of health and safety protocols among the evacuees if needed.
TF BBB is in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s executive order on November 18, 2020 to create a task force that will ensure post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery efforts of typhoon-hit areas. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla / CF – jlo
