Governor Edduba seeks immediate action as Chico River threatens Pinukpuk agricultural lands, calls on DPWH to see viability of re-channeling

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Governor James S. Edduba is pushing for the possible re-channeling of the Chico River to prevent floodwaters from directly affecting rice fields in the municipality of Pinukpuk, as farmers raise alarm over the increasing threat to their crops.

The governor made the statement during the Kapehan Meeting on May 4 at the New Conference Hall in Capitol Hills, Bulanao, where concerns raised by farmers from the barangays of Mapaco, Cawagayan, and Camalog in Pinukpuk were discussed.

According to Edduba, redirecting the overflow of the Chico River could help minimize flooding in agricultural areas.

“Adda kuma immediate action nga aramiden tayo ditoy kasi maibus ti talon da gapo ti danom from Chico River. Ti ibagbaga da gamin ket nu mabalin kanu nga ire-channel diay Chico River tapnu haan nga deretso idiay taltalon da,” he said.

The concern was initially raised during the Emergency Management Committee meeting on April 27, where Edduba shared that several farmers personally approached him to express concern over the worsening condition of their rice fields due to recurring river overflow.

He also underscored how continuous flooding has already begun damaging crops, with some farmers fearing they could lose their entire harvest if no immediate intervention is made, especially with the rainy season approaching.

In response, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Engineer Ruby Uyam said the agency is already looking into possible solutions, including the rechanneling of river water once the dredging operations in Bantay, Tabuk City, are completed.

Uyam also noted that one of the current challenges is identifying suitable disposal or stockpile areas for dredged materials, as these can only be utilized for government-related projects such as embankments. Uyam added that areas like Cawagayan, Camalog, and Mapaco are being considered since no dredging operations are being conducted there, although the locations are quite far.

“So agplanplanon ti dredge team nu ayanna ti site ken disposal area. Ket mabalin siguro, Sir, diyay areas in Cawagayan, Camalog and Mapaco, since awan ti dredging tayo idiay—nu mabalin nga mai-haul dagiti materials nga maiyapan idiay. Ngem kasla nagidayo met. Ken we will check the DENR nu sino dagidiay agku-quarry idiay side nu mabalin da nga idiay tingga nga ag-quarry—nga ag-extract ti sand and gravel, tapnu awan mapan nga danum idiay igigd ket ma-concentrate ti channel na,” Uyam said.