Marcos inaugurates PHP7.57B IDRR-CCA project in Pampanga, funded by South Korea

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated Phase 1 of the PHP7.57-billion Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (IDRR-CCA) project in Pampanga on Wednesday, funded through an official development assistance from South Korea.

The project aims to mitigate flooding damage by improving the river network and flood control infrastructure through excavation, dredging, widening of river channels, and construction of embankments.

Low-lying municipalities such as Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, and Sto. Tomas are expected to benefit most from the project, with improvements including three new bridges, five footbridges, eight sluice gate structures, and 164 fishpond gates.

During the inauguration in Barangay Anac of Masantol town, Marcos highlighted that once completed, the IDRR-CCA will reduce flood levels and durations following heavy siltation caused by Mount Pinatubo's 1991 eruption.

Marcos emphasized the need for such infrastructure after heavy rains from Typhoon Carina and habagat led to fatalities and property damage in Metro Manila, noting over 5,500 flood projects completed under his administration.

The President also instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure that Phase 2 of the project will proceed as scheduled to provide long-term solutions to flooding in Pampanga.