Relief ops hindered by STS Kristine; DPWH clears 86 roads, master plan for Bicol flood control completed

Relief operations in Camarines Sur and Albay provinces continue to face challenges due to impassable roads caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

In Bula town's Panoypoyan village, relief goods were delivered via two presidential helicopters, while Pantao village in Libon remains inaccessible due to landslides.

Mayor Wilfredo Maronilla of Ligao City called on the DPWH to clear road obstructions urgently as residents are struggling with food shortages.

As of Monday, 13 national roads remain impassable, including five in Camarines Sur and three in Batangas, while some areas require rubber boats for delivery due to flooding.

The government assured that relief efforts continue despite challenges, with the DPWH reporting that 86 roads have been cleared as of Sunday.

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the master plan for the Bicol River Basic Flood Control Project was completed in July, with detailed engineering designs expected to start next year and civil works beginning in 2026.

The project aims to address flooding issues through an integrated approach involving environmental and social solutions, with a preliminary estimated cost of PHP175 billion.