The Sangguniang Bayan of La Trinidad, Benguet has requested legislative caretaker Eric Go Yap to source out P100 million for the improvement of the flood control of the Balili River.
The flood control project will start from Km. 3 to Km. 6.
The municipal council said the Balili River becomes a flood hazard zone, especially during typhoons, which causes the swelling of the river followed by possible occurrence of flash flood and soil erosions.
Once the river overflows, it affects nearby farms and affects about 1,000 families living near the area, which oftentimes need to evacuate.
“The put up of flood control structures in critical portions of Balili River particularly from Km. 3 to 6 will be considered as measure for the protection of life, property, and the crops like strawberries, cutflowers, and highland vegetables from further damage,” the resolution stated.
The Balili River is a major body of water that covers three major cities and provinces in Northern Luzon with its main tributary running for at least 24 kilometers and 23 tributary creeks within Baguio that flow to La Trinidad and Sablan down to La Union.
Copies of the resolution were sent to Yap and Mayor Romeo Salda for their information.
In 2017, flooding during the onslaught of heavy rains had been one of the major problems of La Trinidad. The council also requested President Rodrigo Duterte for a P100M allocation for the Balili River flood control project.
Last January, officials also asked Sen. Christopher Go to allot P50M for flood control systems and road pavements for the town. – Ofelia C. Empian
