“Mayroon mag-aani na, dumapa lahat, mayroon mga bagong tanim na sinapawan ng tubig eh patay din ang mga tanim."
These were the sentiments of the mayor of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro after Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) flood control projects were deemed useless as widespread flooding have swept in their area.
According to Mayor Walter “Bong” Marquez, despite the area having newly constructed flood control projects, many were damaged and others totally collapsed.
There are approximately 10 built flood control projects that were proven to be useless in preventing floods.
"Bagong gawa pero sira ulit, gagawin ulit," Marquez said.
The mayor has also criticized DPWH for its lack of coordination into its other offices, when it comes to implementing projects.
“Problema d'yan sa DPWH ay hindi nila pinagdudugsong yung project ng DPWH district office, may regional, may national, nilalagyan nila ng pagitan doon dumadaan ang tubig. Hindi sunod-sunod ang pagkakalagay at iba-iba ang mga specs, walang master plan na dapat susundan,” he added.
Massive flooding in Sablayan has now caused damages to infrastructure and agriculture.
Those who are mostly affected were rice farmers whose main source of income in the town.
Up to 10 barangays are currently submerged in the flood, with depths of up to five feet.
Fishermen are also struggling as they're unable to go out to the sea for more than a week due to large waves.
A state of calamity has been issued in Sablayan.
Mayor Marquez is appealing to the government to help them as they're now unable to sustain the needs of the estimated 5,000 families living in the town.
