Pangasinan: Governor Ramon Guico III has unveiled plans to implement flood gates and water impounding structures as part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate flooding at the Capitol grounds in Lingayen, Pangasinan. This development comes amid ongoing efforts to enhance the drainage system under the Capitol complex redevelopment program.

According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Guico emphasized the importance of these measures in a recent interview, stating, "We are building a drainage system and placing flood gates. In case of high tide, the gates will be closed, and we will build an open water impounding and a cistern and a pumping station." The primary objective is to ensure that floodwaters recede within an hour, allowing normal activities to resume swiftly even during heavy rainfall.

Governor Guico expressed aspirations to extend this approach beyond the Capitol complex, targeting other flood-prone areas such as Calasiao and Sta. Barbara. These towns frequently suffer from flooding during heavy rains. He noted that the ongoing dredging of rivers and creeks in Calasiao, part of the provincial government's river restoration and flood mitigation project, has already improved water flow compared to previous years when flooding persisted for extended periods.

"This initiative cannot be accomplished by a single local government unit (LGU); hence, we are collaborating with other LGUs along the water's path," Guico explained. Mayor Patrick Caramat, in a radio interview, confirmed that additional factors, such as the connectivity of drainage systems and the final outflow of water to the sea, still require attention.

As of Wednesday morning, the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported flooding in 114 barangays across 12 municipalities and two cities. The southwest monsoon has forced 619 families to seek refuge in evacuation centers.