PAMPANGA — The Department of Public Works and Highways is taking a greener approach to flood control. Secretary Vince Dizon announced the construction of gabion walls along the Pampanga River in Arayat on May 21, 2026, shifting away from traditional concrete dikes toward nature-based solutions that work with the environment instead of against it .
A gabion wall is a structure made of wire mesh cages filled with rocks or stones that help prevent soil erosion and riverbank collapse . The project aims to replace the supposedly substandard dike in Barangay Candating, which collapsed multiple times last year and damaged more than a dozen riverside homes. Dizon made his promise clear during the onsite inspection: "Hindi tayo titigil sa trabaho natin at yung mga project natin, hindi tulad ng dati. Hindi na yan substandard, hindi na yan ghost".
From Collapsing Dikes to Long-Term Solutions
The Candating dike has a troubled history. The controversial flood control project received nearly P295 million in cumulative government funding yet failed repeatedly, leading to a Senate investigation . In August 2024, a major section collapsed during super typhoon "Carina," forcing the evacuation of more than 20 families. Then again in January 2026, another collapse damaged over 20 houses and submerged farmlands . The pattern of substandard construction and weak oversight prompted DPWH to take decisive action — including the relief of three district officials accused of demanding project commissions .
Dizon's new approach prioritizes accountability alongside engineering. The gabion walls represent an immediate fix, but larger solutions are coming. By 2027, DPWH plans to add five dams and detention basins upstream . "Malaki ang maitutulong nun kasi doon pa lang sa taas, napipigilan na niya yung daloy ng tubig pababa dito," Dizon explained . These upstream interventions will reduce water pressure on downstream communities like Candating and Cupang.
Relocating Families Before the Rains Arrive
The DPWH is coordinating with the local government and the National Housing Authority to relocate around 25 families living in the danger zone before the rainy season begins . Dizon emphasized the importance of explaining to residents that certain areas near the river are truly dangerous for building homes. "Nakikipagtulungan naman ang national government sa LGU para maalagaan naman yung madi-displace," he said . A retention pond and cut-off channel are also being studied to manage strong water flow in the Pampanga River, particularly in Arayat .
For Kapampangans who have endured decades of flooding — from the 1991 Pinatubo eruption to annual typhoons — the shift to accountable, nature-based infrastructure brings hope. The agency is also expediting sheet piling works for the Cupang dike, with 24-meter sheet piles targeted for completion within weeks . Dizon's message is simple: the days of substandard projects are over.
