Puerto Princesa City Vice Mayor Jimbo Maristela personally inspected recently the ongoing flood control project in Barangay San Manuel, which costs over ₱131 million.
The project aims to address the area’s recurring flooding problem by connecting it to the catchment area previously built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) near the San Manuel Barangay Hall.
Maristela said he wanted to ensure the project is properly implemented and will finally solve the long-time flooding problem during heavy rains and typhoons.
“Hopefully, ay makatutulong ito para maibsan ang labis na pagbahang naranasan at nararanasan ng mga taga Barangay San Manuel kapag malakas ang ulan,” he said in a video released during his visit.
Barangay officials also expressed hope that the project will ease flooding that usually starts from the national highway.
In his talk with Barangay Kagawad Van Aurello, Maristela was told that it would be better if another phase could follow to connect the drainage from the highway to the Barangay Hall.
“Makakatulong ito kapag natapos ng maayos ang ating project lalong-lalo na kapag nasunod kaagad ‘yung from Ford Palawan papunta sa barangay hall ng San Manuel,” Aurello said.
Maristela explained that this extension would follow once the city government finishes discussions with private property owners along the planned route.
“Ang problema doon sa may Ford area ay idudugtong dito kapag nakausap na ng husto ang mga may-ari ng lupa. Sapagka’t inuna muna itong mga walang problema sa mga private property,” he said.
The project contractor assured Maristela that water from the national highway would flow properly into the DPWH catchment area once the work is completed.
Foreman Allan Ramirez told him that they already made adjustments to address concerns about elevation.
“Susubukan namin na matapos [September 2026] pero depende sa panahon ‘yan pero kailangang tapusin. Sa tingin ko Sir, bale, tama lang naman ang elevation dito kasi para makuha ‘yung tubig doon ay may drainer dito kaya nagkaroon dito ng medyo mataas ang area,” he said.
“Doon ay medyo mataas ang area kaya pagdating dito ay kailangang i-angat talaga para makuha natin ‘yung sa taas. Mas mataas parin ang elevation sa national highway [siguradong dadaloy ng maayos ang tubig hanggang sa catchment area na ginawa ng DPWH],” Ramirez added.
Once finished, the road affected by the installation of the drainage system will also be repaved as part of the city-funded project.
According to the City Engineering Office, the project was 9.06 percent complete as of October 10 and is expected to be finished by September next year.
