Hundreds of residents of Malama in Conner, Apayao are now benefitting from the Barren Flood Control project that was completed earlier this year, as it significantly reduced the risk of flooding in the area.

More than 800 meters in length, the flood control project aims to safeguard livelihoods, strengthen resilience to climate impacts, and contribute to the sustainable development of Malama and adjacent communities.

“The completion of this project was necessary due to the recurring floods brought by the Barren River, which often overflowed and caused destruction to farmlands, homes, and infrastructure in Malama,” said Department of Public Works and Highways Cordillera Regional Director Khadaffy Tanggol.

Jerry Asejo, a farmer from Hanhan, Malama, shared that before, their farms often got flooded especially during tropical cyclones, causing them a significant loss.

“Before, our farmlands especially those near the riverbankusually got flooded if there were tropical cyclones. Our rice and corn fields were submerged and looked like sea leaving us with nothing to harvest,” Asejo said in the local dialect.

With the construction of the flood control, their crops, livelihoods, and homes are now protected from severe flooding.

Asejo said that even when the water level at the Barren River rises, they do not worry anymore due to the flood control that is now protecting their communities. He expressed his gratitude to the government for implementing the said project.

“When the water level rises, we do not worry anymore for our crops near the river. There’s no more flood. For us farmers, this is a great help to us,” Asejo said.

The Barren Flood Control project included the installation of concrete revetment, gabion spur dike, and sheet piles to mitigate flooding and safeguard lives and properties.

The project was funded with P98 million under the 2024 General Appropriations Act. It was implemented by the DPWH Apayao First District Engineering Office.

The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the completion of flood-mitigation projects that will minimize the impact of natural disasters. 

DPWH PHOTO