CITY OF MALOLOS — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has agreed to allocate a budget for the repair of the damaged rubber gates of Bustos Dam in Bulacan province, the Provincial Public Affairs Office (PPAO) said Thursday (June 19).
In a statement, PPAO said this was announced by Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando during a joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), and Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center.
NIA earlier requested a PHP1.5-billion budget from the Office of the President for the full rehabilitation of Bustos Dam.
At the same time, Fernando reiterated his demand to hold the contractor, ITP Construction Inc.–Guangxi Hydroelectric Construction Bureau Co. Ltd. Consortium, accountable for the defective rubber gates.
“Lubos naming pinapahalagahan ang pangkahalatang kaligtasan ng ating mamamayan kaya naman patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng inyong lingkod sa National Irrigation Administration upang mapanagot ang TP Construction, Inc.–Guangxi Hydroelectric Construction Bureau Co., Ltd. Consortium sa pagkakaroon ng substandard materials sa rubber gates ng Bustos Dam,” Fernando, who is also the PPOC chairperson, said.
Bustos Dam is being managed by NIA.
The joint meeting —the second for this year— served as a platform to address crucial issues impacting Bulacan, ranging from disaster preparedness to local governance.
Fernando, during the joint meeting also thanked the police force for their efforts in maintaining the peace and orderliness of the recently concluded Midyear Election 2025.
“Malaki po ang naging ambag ng ating kapulisan upang matiyak ang mga umiiral na batas ay naipatutupad, gayundin ang pagpapatrolya at pagbabantay sa mga checkpoint upang masiguro na walang lumalabag sa mga election rules and regulations,” he added.
Furthermore, the People’s Governor reiterated the issuance of the “Executive Order Providing for the Guidelines for the Oplan Linis Ilog and Constituting a Linis Ilog Task Force in the Province of Bulacan.” He urged the Bulakenyos to actively participate in cleaning the rivers in their respective areas and to embrace the importance of environmental conservation.
This initiative underscores the importance of community involvement in protecting the environment and mitigating flood risks.
He also reminded the local peace and order councils, through their local chief executives, to maintain the functionality of the council. He highlighted its importance as a government assessment criterion of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).
The meeting served as a platform to address crucial issues impacting Bulacan, ranging from disaster preparedness to local governance. (UnliNews Online)
