THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will conduct dredging activities at the Panay River, particularly
at the mouth of the Cogon-Hamulauon River, to revive the waterways.
“Through the years it has developed siltation, encroachment. Even the Cogon-Hamulauon River, there are portions that are considered as dead that should be revived,” said DPWH assistant regional director Engr. Al Fruto in an interview on Monday.
He said the improvement of waterways is needed, especially in areas that are too narrow where motorized bancas could
no longer pass.
Two outfalls are being considered for the dredging, the one at the portion of Roxas City and at the Tinagong Dagat or the
waterway of Panay River to the sea.
“We are just waiting for the mobilization and operational fund to expedite the transport of the dredger from Iloilo City
to the portion of the Cogon-Hamulauon River, to at least start with the cleaning and
clearing of the outfalls,” he said.
Fruto added that they have also included in the 2024 regional budget the amount of PHP500 million to at least jumpstart the activities in the Panay River, particularly the Cogon-Hamulauon Floodway.
“There’s a need for its construction, that’s around 7.5 kilometers long and width of
around 320 meters,” he said. He said that devastating flood has been experienced
in Capiz every year, affecting the province’s seafood basket, particularly the municipalities of Panay, Pontevedra and
President Roxas.
The initiatives are pushed by the DPWH meantime that they are waiting for funds
for the completion of the documentary requirements of the Panay River Basin
Integrated Development Project (PRBIDP), which include the flood control component.
