PAMPANGA, Philippines – Mayor Reynan Calo of Santa Rita, Pampanga clarified during the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) meeting that the “Santa Rita Dam” referred to in circulating reports is located in Barangay Santa Rita, Lubao — not in his municipality.
The clarification came as local officials, led by Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda, convened on Tuesday, July 23, at the SP Session Hall in the City of San Fernando to assess the province’s flood situation and infrastructure status, including roads, dikes, and dams. The meeting was attended by representatives from PAGASA, DOLE, DPWH, and all local chief executives in the province.
Mayor Calo emphasized that while runoff from the Santa Rita Dam in Lubao may pass through nearby towns like Guagua, Santa Rita, Pampanga is not directly connected to the dam. He urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation that could trigger unnecessary panic.
The council also discussed the possibility of declaring a province-wide state of calamity. However, no decision was finalized, as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is expected to deliberate on the matter in a session scheduled for Wednesday.
The PDRRMC meeting aimed to consolidate updates, address LGU-level concerns, and enhance coordination as parts of Pampanga continue to reel from monsoon rains and localized flooding.