From December 2022 up to present, Surigao del Norte suffered prolonged periods of high precipitation and low pressure, which raised the Pongtud River's water level. The continued rainfall has accumulated an excessive amount of silt due to quarry operations. With the amassed silt in the river, the water flow changed from its original flow, which resulted in scouring the soil on the riverbank and damaging the IA Hall in Pongtud, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte on January 11, 2023.
The current situation raised an alarm with the implementing agency, the National Irrigation Administration-Caraga, and it immediately conducted an investigation to determine the extent of damage in the area. Regional Manager June Nathaniel S. Plaza perceived the necessity to desilt the river to minimize further damage to the facilities, especially the canals near the riverbanks.
The office was able to deploy a long-arm backhoe to desilt the area, restore the river's original flow, and eventually subside the water level in the river with the help of the Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands Irrigation Management Office.
The farmers and other beneficiaries appreciated the office's prompt response, and they took the edge off knowing that during difficult times the office would surely heed their needs.
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**For questions and/or clarifications, you may contact:
June Nathaniel S. Plaza, Regional Manager A
Atty. Reggie T. Mag-usara, Attorney IV
Jane B. Huqueriza, PRO A
Office/Region: NIA Caraga Region
E-mail: r13@nia.gov.ph
Contact Information: (085) 815-2602