The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Ifugao swiftly attended the rehabilitation of the damages from the landslide and flashflood brought by the heavy rain on June 5 along Buguias-Tinoc-Kiangan Road in Baguinge, Kiangan.
Earlier this month, flashflood and landslide brought by intense rains resulted to a damaged house and big cracks on the road which posed threats to the residents who are regularly passing by the road that leads to both Lamut and Lagawe.
Headed by District Engineer Diosdado C. Lumibao, District Maintenance Engineer Michael Martin and Area Engineer Jassich Dinwag conducted an ocular inspection last June 7 to the damage and immediately sought plans for its rehabilitation.
According to District Maintenance Engineer Michael Martin, the blockage of big rocks in the box culvert connected to the spring resulted to a redirection of the water flow that led to the flashflood and eventually creating cracks in the road.
In response to this, Martin shared the initial plans of adding two more barrels measured 3×3 square meters to add to the existing box culvert installed in the establishment.
This would improve the water capacity of the structure which will prevent the overflow of the fresh water from the spring in the road.
The road is now one-way passable for residents who are regularly passing by. The other half of the road is now being reconstructed to prevent further damages that it may incur.
Romel Bubud, a kagawad from Baranggay Baguinge recalled that similar incident in 2012 prompt them to take action.
Back in 2012 they conducted a clear-up operation but greater action is needed today as residents are at stake.
The DPWH-Ifugao is now preparing for rainy season and is monitoring threats to be addressed even before typhoons and heavy rains hit the country.
DPWH leads the clean-up drives in drainages and visit roads, ripraps, and other establishments to ensure that all are intact before the rainy season. By Mark Gonzalo Benter