DPWH supports revival of Pampanga River Control System

MALOLOS CITY, Philippines  – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has expressed support for the revival of the Pampanga River Control System (PRCS), which used to be an attached agency of the department 20 years ago, to prevent flooding in Central Luzon.

 Public Works Secretary Singson said they are also looking at other ways to help concerned local government units in dredging the rivers.

Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado stressed the need to revive the PRCS during an emergency meeting of the sectoral committee on infrastructure of the regional development council last Friday.

Alvarado said the PRCS, whose personnel were transferred to the Mt. Pinatubo Commission, used to be in charge of dredging the river systems in Bulacan and Pampanga.

“That is one of the primary reasons why most parts of Central Luzon experience devastating flooding for days after a typhoon,” Alvarado said, adding that most of the rivers and waterways in the region are heavily silted. 

He said the dredging machines of the PCRS were also transferred to the Mt. Pinatubo Commission.

“It is now time to revive the Pampanga River Control System or bring up an agency that is mandated to supervise the rehabilitation and dredging of the rivers not only in Bulacan and Pampanga but also in other provinces in the region,” said Alvarado.