CALUMPIT, Bulacan — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will relocate an initial 70 families living along the Pampanga River in Calumpit to speed up the construction of new dikes.
DPWH Secretary Vivencio Dizon made the announcement during a boat inspection of the river amid heavy monsoon rains.
According to Dizon, the houses were built directly on the river and on riverbanks — areas prohibited by law and considered dangerous, especially during high tide. Their removal is necessary for flood control projects in Brgy. Calizon to proceed without delay.
Under DPWH standards, no structures should be built on riverbanks and within 4 meters of the river.
To assist the affected families, DPWH coordinated with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for 100 housing units under the DOTr’s in-city relocation program in Calumpit, also used for families displaced by the North-South Commuter Railway. Target relocation is early 2027.
While waiting, DPWH will provide housing rental subsidies so families can move to temporary shelters immediately.
Dizon said the flood control project was delayed while legal aspects were settled. The project is among those flagged with major irregularities and inspected by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on August 15, 2025 in Brgys. Bulusan and Frances.
Aside from new and properly sized dikes, the DPWH will also build pumping stations to prevent flooding. The goal is to match the new dikes along both sides of the Pampanga River with the existing dike around Calumpit Poblacion.
The Pampanga River receives excess water from Pampanga and Nueva Ecija during heavy rains, causing back-flooding in Calumpit and Hagonoy, Bulacan.
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