Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has given the green light to dredge several sandbars along Cagayan River in a bid to widen the country’s longest river after the widespread flooding caused by Typhoon “Ulysses” (international name: Vamco) in Cagayan and Isabela provinces last month. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) identified 19 priority sites where sandbars could be cleared in last week’s meeting of the Build Back Better Task Force, which was tasked with streamlining the government’s posttyphoon rehabilitation efforts. ‘Obstructions’ “Removing these obstructions is the most immediate measure that should be undertaken in order to avoid a repeat of massive flooding in the region, particularly the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela,” Cimatu said in a statement.

Enano, J. O. (2020, December 8). DENR OKs dredging of Cagayan River: Sandbars in 19 priority sites to be removed to ease water flow as gov’t seeks long-term solution to flooding in Cagayan Valley. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A10.