By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to accelerate the repair of the Tangos-Tanza Navigational Gate, which has caused severe flooding in the Cities of Navotas and Malabon.
Accompanied by Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, Marcos inspected the damaged navigational gate in Barangay Tanza 1 in Navotas City.
The aging infrastructure, currently under repair, serves as a critical barrier against high tide and flooding.
North Navotas Pumping Station chief, Engr. Flocy Ismael said in an interview with the Presidential News Desk (PND) that the navigational gate was damaged on May 11 when a vessel crashed into it.
In a video posted by Radio Television Malacañang, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said they are fast-tracking the repair works in the damaged flood gate along with the construction of retaining walls.
“Kagaya ng inutos ng ating Presidente kanina, na dapat bilisan namin ang pagpapagawa ng mga additional protection works na retaining walls dito sa may banda ng malapit sa Manila Bay para sa ganon… ay ‘di na papasok at least ‘yong high tide,” Bonoan said.
The President also visited the Tanza National High School Evacuation Center in Barangay Tanza 2 to check on the situation of residents displaced by floods and severe weather conditions.
According to data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), at least 162 families or about 538 individuals are currently taking shelter in the evacuation center.
During Marcos’ visit, the DSWD also distributed family food packs, along with sleeping and hygiene kits, to the evacuees. (with report from Harley Valbuena / PTV News)
-jpv
