DAVAO CITY — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon personally inspected the ongoing and completed construction of gabion walls along the Talomo River in Davao City on Monday, September 28, as the government continues to strengthen flood-control measures in communities that were severely affected by flooding in July.
Dizon returned to the Talomo area to assess the progress and condition of the riverbank protection structures being constructed in areas along the river, including San Juan Village in Bangkal and portions of Talomo Proper.
The inspection came more than two months after severe flooding caused the Talomo River to overflow on July 24, submerging portions of the community and affecting hundreds of residents.
The gabion walls are designed to reinforce and stabilize the riverbanks, helping protect nearby communities from erosion and reducing the risk of riverbank failure as water levels rise during periods of heavy rain.
Dizon had earlier visited the affected area following the July flooding and ordered immediate measures to strengthen the existing flood-control defenses. Among the measures pushed by the DPWH chief were the repair and raising of the flood-control dike and the dredging or excavation of portions of the Talomo River to improve its capacity to carry increased water flow.
The latest inspection allowed Dizon to personally check the progress of the works and evaluate the condition of the completed structures and the surrounding river section.
The DPWH has allocated ₱100 million from its Quick Response Fund for the project, with completion targeted by the end of 2026.
The project is part of the government’s continuing effort to improve flood mitigation infrastructure in Davao City, particularly in communities located along waterways that become vulnerable when intense rainfall causes rivers and drainage systems to reach critical levels.
The July 24 flooding underscored the risks faced by communities situated along the Talomo River and prompted renewed attention on the condition and adequacy of existing flood-control structures.
During his earlier inspection, Dizon expressed frustration over the status of flood-control works in the area and called for immediate action to address unfinished or inadequate protection measures.
With the construction of the gabion walls, the DPWH is seeking to provide a stronger physical barrier along vulnerable sections of the river while complementing other flood-mitigation interventions, including improvements to river capacity and flood-control dikes.
Gabion structures typically consist of rock-filled wire mesh baskets installed along riverbanks to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Their effectiveness, however, depends on proper design, construction, maintenance and integration with the wider river and drainage system.
For residents living near the Talomo River, the ongoing project is expected to provide additional protection during periods of heavy rainfall and rising river levels.
The DPWH inspection also places emphasis on the condition of the completed works, as maintaining riverbank protection structures is critical to ensuring that flood-control investments continue to serve their intended purpose.
As the year-end completion target approaches, attention will remain on whether the project can be completed as scheduled and whether the strengthened riverbank defenses can help reduce the vulnerability of communities along the Talomo River to future flooding.