DILG R3, in line with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management/Climate Change Adaptation, (DRRM-CCA) program hosted a Consultation Conference on March 31, 2014 at Travelers Hotel, Subic, Zambales. The activity is relative to the flooding and landslide that affected LGUs of Zambales due to the onslaught of heavy Southwest Monsoon Rains worsened by Typhoon “Oddette”.
The consultation conference was aimed to address the risk of the reoccurrence of this tragedy that claimed 33 lives in the province. It also aimed to seek assistance from concerned National Government Agencies on further studying the proposed dredging of the rivers of Zambales.
The conference was attended by Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr.; Congressman of 1st District Jefferson J. Khonghun; Subic Mayor Jay Khonghun; San Marcelino Mayor Jose Rodriguez; Castillejos Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez; Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino; and San Antonio Mayor Estela Antipolo. Likewise, NGA representatives in attendance were RD Antonio V. Molano of DPWH and Engr. Hercules Manglicmot, Zambales 1st District Engr.; ARD Nigel B. Lontoc of OCD; Clarissa G. Villanueva of DENR-MGB; Joselito F. Meredor of DOST-PAGASA; Marife Castillo of DENR-CENRO Olongapo City.
DILG R3 Director Florida M. Dijan, who presided over the meeting mentioned that the activity was called because of the request of Mayor Khonghun to SILG Mar Roxas for the assistance needed on the proposed dredging of some rivers in the Province of Zambales. RD Dijan said that the Secretary would like to ensure that this concern is coordinated with all the concerned officials and agencies and acted upon immediately. She added the importance of the meeting in order to address all the issues and concerns that will lead to both immediate and long-term solutions.
Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane said that this project is very timely so that they can prioritize and work on the corresponding strategies to mitigate the problem of flooding in the province including Olongapo being an adjacent city.
To start addressing the problem, it was agreed that a Technical Working Group (TWG) be created to be headed by the Provincial Engineer. The TWG was given two months to complete the ground works, from the inspection and planning aspect up to working on the palliative measures.
