📋 Tender Overview
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Ilocos Region has launched dredging and desilting operations in Ilocos Norte as part of intensified flood mitigation efforts. Work is now focused on the Galpak Creek in Paoay and the Daurao Creek in Laoag City, following the Sangguniang Panlalawigans approval of Resolution No. 2025-05-447 during its regular session on Monday. Engineer Kim Angelo Soy, Dredge Master III of DPWH Ilocos, said the goal is to restore the creeks natural depth and water flow, which have been impaired by years of sediment buildup and waste accumulation. This project involves two key components--dredging to deepen and restore the creeks capacity and desilting to remove blockages and stagnant areas, said Soy. A preliminary survey identified severely silted sections and major obstructions. Clearing and deepening operations will follow, along with a soil management plan. Removed sediments will be relocated to low-lying, flood-prone areas to help raise elevation and reduce flood risk. Dredging will be limited to areas without existing slope protection to avoid structural damage. The extracted materials will be managed by the local governments of Paoay and Laoag City to prevent stockpiling near riverbanks, which could cause re-siltation. Soy also stressed the importance of community involvement in sustaining the projects impact. Dredging alone isnt enough. We also plan to implement silt-tiling to reduce erosion and slow future siltation. More importantly, proper waste disposal is critical to keeping our waterways clear, he said. Galpak Creek runs 12 kilometers through the villages of Masintoc to Paratong in Paoay, while Daurao Creek stretches 10 kilometers across Barangays Caaoacan to Casili in Laoag City. Board Member Donald Nicolas, chairperson of the Committee on Public Works, highlighted the potential of these efforts to significantly reduce flooding in Laoag. These are major waterways. During heavy rains, weve seen that floodwaters dont easily drain from the city. If we do this right, we can greatly improve the situation, Nicolas said. With the resolution in place, DPWH can now complete documentation to secure either a Certificate of Non-Coverage or an Environmental Compliance Certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. These proactive measures aim to strengthen the provinces resilience to flooding, especially ahead of the rainy season. (AMB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)
