Ilocos Region, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ramped up its flood mitigation initiatives across the Ilocos Region from 2023 to 2025, completing and launching several key projects designed to safeguard communities, farmlands, and infrastructure from recurring flood threats.
Ilocos Sur: Revetment Walls and Riverbank Protection
In Sinait, Ilocos Sur, the DPWH completed a ₱36.4-million flood control project along the Sinait River in Barangay Dean Leopoldo Yabes (DLY). The 350.35-linear-meter concrete revetment wall was built in two phases—Phase 1 finished in December 2023, and Phase 2 inaugurated in October 2024. The structure now shields residents and farmlands from erosion and river overflow.
Meanwhile, in Candon City, another ₱50-million flood mitigation project was completed in September 2023 along the Candon River at Barangay Caterman. The 446-meter concrete wall serves as a vital barrier against seasonal floods, ensuring the safety of surrounding agricultural communities.
Ilocos Norte: Padsan River and Creek Dredging
Further north, the DPWH Ilocos Norte District Engineering Office wrapped up a ₱77.19-million river protection structure along the Padsan River, spanning Piddig and Sarrat municipalities. Completed in June 2025, the 492.64-meter wall now protects low-lying barangays from flood surges and riverbank erosion.
Additionally, dredging and desilting works were launched in 2025 on the Galpac Creek in Paoay and the Daurao Creek in Laoag City, covering roughly 22 kilometers combined. These operations aim to restore the natural capacity of the waterways, improving flow and minimizing flooding during heavy rains.
La Union: Amburayan River Flood Structure
In Sudipen, La Union, a ₱28.9-million flood control structure was completed in late 2024 along the Amburayan River in Barangay Namaltugan. The 254-linear-meter structure forms part of a wider La Union flood mitigation master plan and provides enhanced protection for households living near the riverbanks.
Regional Impact and Continuing Efforts
According to the DPWH, these projects form part of the agency’s continuing Flood Risk Management Program, targeting critical waterways in Region I. Beyond structural protection, the initiatives also support agricultural resilience, disaster preparedness, and local economic stability by reducing the cost of flood damage.
DPWH engineers emphasized that additional projects are lined up through 2025 and 2026, including expansion of drainage systems, slope protection, and continuous river dredging in other parts of Ilocos Norte, Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.
As climate patterns intensify and typhoons grow stronger, these flood control efforts reflect the government’s commitment to strengthen the Ilocos Region’s defense against flooding and protect both lives and livelihoods.
—End of Report
