San roque: One gate of the low-level outlet (LLO) of the San Roque Dam will be opened starting 5 p.m. on Wednesday for a pre-release due to the impact of the southwest monsoon. This decision stems from a notice issued by the National Power Corp.-San Roque Dam office to various regional and municipal disaster management offices.

According to Philippines News Agency, the notice was sent to the Office of Civil Defense Ilocos Regional Office, Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices of several areas including San Manuel, San Nicolas, Asingan, Tayug, Sta. Maria, Rosales, Villasis, Sto. Tomas, Alcala, Bautista, and Bayambang. Rizza Serra, spokesperson for the National Power Corp.-San Roque Dam, stated that this marks the first time the LLO will be used for releasing water. Traditionally, it is utilized for irrigation discharge during power plant shutdowns or for clearing debris and sediments from the intake area.

Serra further explained that employing the LLO at present is aimed at managing the reservoir water level to prevent the need for spillway gate discharge. "There are damages to the structure that are due for repair in 2027, and if we spill, it might aggravate the damages. Nonetheless, the spillway gates can still be used anytime should the need arise," she mentioned. The estimated discharge from the LLO is approximately 150 cubic meters per second.

The spokesperson assured that the volume of water released from the gate opening is not expected to significantly impact the river systems of the province. This preemptive measure comes as the San Roque Dam's water level reached 275.45 meters above sea level as of 9 a.m. on August 26. The National Power Corp.-San Roque Dam office has urged the localities involved to stay alert and take necessary preparatory actions in response to the water release.