PANITAN, Capiz — Flooding has long plagued Capiz, damaging crops, and properties, and even claiming lives. To tackle this persistent issue, the provincial government, led by Gov. Fredenil H. Castro, recently launched an ambitious initiative called Operation Akad in Panitan.
Operation Akad focuses on dredging the Panay River, a critical step to mitigate the effects of flooding.
With a new dredging machine costing P35 million, the project aims to deepen and widen the river, thus improving its capacity to handle large volumes of water during heavy rains.
This effort is crucial since the Panay River acts as a catch basin, where excess water from surrounding areas accumulates, often leading to floods.
Before starting the dredging, Governor Castro emphasized the importance of cleaning the creeks in several barangays — Cadeo, Banga-an, Quios, Tinigban, Ensenagan, and Tingcupon. These areas will also benefit from the dredger, which will help clear silt and sediment obstructing water flow.
Castro, along with his wife, 2nd District Congresswoman Baby Jane Tan Castro, is also pushing for the Panay River Basin project, an even larger initiative aimed at comprehensive flood control.
This project, which has been in planning since the early 1970s, comes with a hefty price tag of P20.78 billion but promises significant long-term benefits.
Reliable Water Supply
According to the National Irrigation Administration, the Panay River Basin project, once completed, will provide a reliable water supply throughout the year to 26,800 hectares of agricultural land in Capiz and parts of Iloilo. This will benefit at least 20,046 farmers, enhancing agricultural productivity and economic stability in the region.
Operation Akad is a vital step towards protecting Capiz from the devastating impact of floods.
By investing in infrastructure that improves water flow and storage, the provincial government is safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
This initiative reflects a proactive approach to a longstanding problem, offering hope and stability to the people of Capiz.
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