Thousands of residents to face massive relocation

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Thousands of residents whose houses were constructed within the slope and perimeter of the Arayat-Apalit setback levee are now in danger of being permanently relocated.

This came as officials of the regional office of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Mayors of various towns in the 4th district of the province agreed to prioritize the rehabilitation of Arayat-Apalit setback levee.

DPWH-Central Luzon Director Antonio Molano disclosed that their department is now doing an inventory of all houses and other structures encroaching the said setback levee.

“Kasalukuyan na nating ginagawang ng inventory bahay na nakatayo mismo sa Arayat-Apalit setback levee. Papaalisin natin sila kung kinakailangan,” he added.

“Kailangan din siguro taasan pa natin ang control para kahit tumaas pa ang tubig ay kakayanin pa rin nito. Yung mga bahay na apektado, tayong mga mayor ang bahalang kumausap sa ating kanya kanya bayan,” Mayor Jerry Pelayo stated.

The mayors preferred to strengthen the setback levee by concreting its slopes in both sides and widening its upper portion as there were reports that in some areas the same has been narrowed by less than three meters.

This was the consensus of the mayors who attended an emergency meeting called the other day to address flooding problem in the province.

Among the mayors who attended the meeting were Jerry Pelayo, (Candaba) Jun Tetangco, (Apalit) Annette Balgan, (Macabebe) LIto Naguiat, (Sto. Tomas) Arthur Naguiat, (Minalin) Leonora Wong (San Simon) and Luis Espino (Arayat)