Gov’t to expedite seawall reconstruction in Pagudpud

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

Damaged seawall in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte (PIA photo via PNA)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday said the government will expedite the reconstruction of the damaged seawall in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte to protect communities from storm surges and flooding.

Marcos made the announcement during the aid distribution of over PHP70 million in livelihood and financial assistance for thousands affected by Typhoon Marce at Pagudpud Cultural and Sports Complex.

Following his inspection of the damaged seawall, Marcos said the plans for its reconstruction were already in place and progressing swiftly.

“Mabuti na lang, ‘yang seawall na ‘yan, in process ‘yan, ginagawa na talaga ‘yan (Good thing, that seawall is in process, it’s already being built),” he said.

“Ibi-bid na pala in two weeks? Three weeks? Ibi-bid na pala ‘yung project niyan, itutuloy na kaya’t mabilis. Hindi na tayo dadaan sa paghanap ng pondo, sa pag-appropriate at ginagawa na talaga kaya’t itutuloy na lang natin (It will be bid out in two weeks? Three weeks? The project is already up for bidding, so it will proceed quickly. We won’t go through the process of finding funds, appropriating, and we’re actually doing it, so we’ll just continue with it),” he said.

He said the construction of the elevated road near the seawall would also be prioritized to enhance the area’s resilience.

“Kung makita ninyo, may daan na sa — may parang seawall pero ‘yung bago mayroon ng kalsada sa taas. At ‘yun na lang ang itutuloy natin (If you see, there is already a road — there is something like a seawall but the new one has a road on top. And that’s what we will continue with),” he said.

Marcos also inspected classrooms of damaged by Marce and coordinated with the Department of Education to expedite repairs, ensuring students can return to school as soon as possible.

“Hinahanapan namin ng paraan mabilis natin maayos para makabalik ang mga bata (We are looking for a way to fix it quickly so the kids can return [to schools]),” he said, noting that alternative learning spaces were established to serve as temporary classrooms for the students.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 9,340 individuals, or 2,903 families, were affected by Marce in Ilocos Norte. A total of 540 families or 1,635 individuals are in evacuation centers.