MABALACAT CITY, Philippines – Mayor Atty. Geld Aquino and Pampanga 1st District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. conducted an urgent ocular inspection of the Sapang Balen Creek on Wednesday, July 24, following reports of cracks on its retaining wall.
The damage, reportedly caused by days of incessant rain from successive tropical depressions and the southwest monsoon or habagat, has raised concerns over the safety of nearby residents and motorists.
According to Engr. Agustin Dagsaan Jr., assistant engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Pampanga 3rd District Engineering Office, the cracks pose “a clear danger” to the community if not immediately repaired.
“Mas mahalaga po ang kapakanan ng ating mga kabalen dito sa Sapang Balen kung kaya’t tayo ay agarang nakipag-ugnayan sa DPWH,” Aquino said. “Nangako rin po si Cong. Pogi Lazatin na tutulungan tayong mag-source out ng funding para sa rehabilitation ng creek.”
Lazatin also assured support from the district office to secure immediate funding for the creek’s rehabilitation. “Bilang representante ng unang distrito, tutulungan natin ang siyudad ng Mabalacat na mas mapabilis ang paghahanap ng pondo para sa proyektong ito,” he said.
The local government and DPWH are now working closely to assess the full extent of the damage and determine the necessary engineering interventions to prevent further risk.