In Benguet, the installation of a high-grade floodwater interceptor pipe along Bolo Creek is expected to reduce flooding in the strawberry farms of La Trinidad, which has affected more than 700 farmers in the area and nearby parts of the town.
Romualdo Apalias, acting chief of the planning and design section of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)–Benguet First District Engineering Office, reported to the municipal government that the pipe installation will be completed by November 16. The project follows a resolution from the Sangguniang Barangay of Betag, dated September 26, requesting a full technical assessment of the design and structure to confirm its effectiveness.
In its report, the DPWH Benguet 1st District Engineering Office stated that "the project's value lies in reducing the extent and severity of flood, lowering flood depth, and ponding and shortening the time when farms remain inundated."
The US$3.1 million (PHP177 million) project is one of several public works initiatives previously inspected by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong when he served as adviser to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), which was tasked by the national government to investigate flood control projects.
Bolo Creek borders one side of the strawberry farms and channels water into the Balili River, the town's main drainage outlet. It has been known to cause flooding in the farms during typhoons such as Crising, Emong, and Nando. Farmers have also reported that flooding now occurs even during regular monsoon rains.
Recent flooding has delayed the strawberry fruiting season to December or early next year. In previous years, strawberry picking began in November, a key activity for both local farmers and small enterprises linked to agro-tourism.
According to the DPWH report, heavy and prolonged rainfall in recent months has increased floodwater volume beyond the creek's capacity, forcing water into the lower-lying strawberry fields.
The project includes the installation of an "armored polyethylene corrugated drainage pipe with a structured wall that extends to 348 meters upstream." The pipe will act as a siphon to direct water from a higher elevation, allowing it to discharge into the Balili River. A pump will also be installed at the pipe's inlet to support flow when the creek's water volume exceeds the river's capacity. "The pump will supplement hydraulic performance by adding energy to the flow, helping to overcome gravitational limitations and reduce frictional losses," the report noted.
Barangay Betag hosts the 44-hectare strawberry farm, which is a main tourist and agricultural site in La Trinidad. Mayor Roderick Awingan said the local government hopes the project will reduce flooding across the central town area. "Hopefully, the project will end the continuous bashing on social media that we receive whenever the strawberry plants get submerged under water," he said.
Source: Philippine News Agency
