Pagudpud Seawall Reconstruction Accelerated Following Typhoon Marce

Immediate reconstruction of the Pagudpud seawall in Ilocos Norte has been ordered by the President after Typhoon Marce inflicted heavy damage on the region. The seawall, which serves as a critical barrier against coastal flooding and storm surges, sustained substantial harm during the typhoon, leaving local communities vulnerable to future natural disasters.

The announcement of the reconstruction was made by President Marcos Jr. while overseeing the distribution of ₱70 million in financial and livelihood aid to thousands affected by the typhoon. The allocation includes ₱50 million in direct financial aid from the Office of the President and ₱20 million through the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD program, benefiting close to 4,000 displaced workers. Targeted assistance was also provided to specific municipalities, including ₱6.54 million for Pagudpud and ₱3.21 million each for Pasuquin, Vintar, and Bacarra.

Image from PIA 

Expedited Reconstruction and New Infrastructure Enhancements

Plans for the seawall’s reconstruction are progressing, with bidding expected to commence in the next two to three weeks. This timeline will allow for a quick start to the project, as funding and procedural approvals have already been secured, according to President Marcos Jr.

“Mabuti na lang, ‘yang seawall na ‘yan, in process ‘yan, ginagawa na talaga ‘yan” the president said. “Ibi-bid na pala in two weeks? Three weeks? Ibi-bid na pala ‘yung project niyan, itutuloy na kaya’t mabilis. Hindi na tayo dadaan sa paghanap ng pondo, sa pag-appropriate at ginagawa na talaga kaya’t itutuloy na lang natin.”

In addition to rebuilding the seawall, the government will prioritize the construction of an elevated road nearby. This road will serve as a flood-resistant access route, helping to facilitate emergency evacuations and minimize travel disruptions caused by future storms. 

Ongoing Support and Infrastructure Repair

Beyond Pagudpud, there was also extended aid to other severely affected areas, including ₱80 million in financial assistance to municipalities in Cagayan. Each affected town received ₱10 million, with Aparri, Buguey, Sanchez-Mira, and others among the beneficiaries.

Additionally, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and DepEd will prioritize the repair of storm-damaged infrastructure, such as local schools. DepEd has established temporary learning spaces to minimize disruptions in education until the restoration of classrooms.

The coordinated government response to Typhoon Marce underscores a commitment to long-term disaster resilience, with the Pagudpud seawall reconstruction marking a significant step toward safeguarding vulnerable coastal communities.

References:

Daily Tribune. (n.d.). PBBM hands cash aid to Cagayan, Ilocos Norte Read more at: https://tribune.net.ph/2024/11/10/pbbm-hands-cash-aid-to-cagayan-ilocos-norte. Daily Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/2024/11/10/pbbm-hands-cash-aid-to-cagayan-ilocos-norte

Philippine News Agency. (n.d.). Gov’t to expedite seawall reconstruction in Pagudpud. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1237510