As part of the City Government of Iriga’s strategic and methodical approach to environmental protection and sustainable development, the City Engineer’s Office, led by Engr. Eddie M. Belmonte, presented their comprehensive inventory findings to Mayor Rex C. Oliva on January 27 at the CMO Conference Room.
Prepared over the past two months, the inventory reflects meticulous planning, technical rigor, and careful data collection by the engineers, ensuring that city decisions are evidence-based, precise, and aligned with long-term goals. The presentations included:
1. Engr. Joshua Perfecto C. Gascon – Project Overview and Drainage Master Plan
2. Engr. Gerald A. Turiano – Drainage Inventory, Hydrogeological Features, and Flood Mitigation Strategies
3. Engr. Niñalyn C. Amaro and Engr. Jobian Mark Louie A. Nuñez – Inventory of Gullies and Natural Waterways
The inventory specifically covers drainage canals, flow directions along canals, gullies, and natural drainage paths, including an assessment of their effects on the Central Business District and possible interventions. This will serve as a critical foundation for the preparation of a comprehensive Drainage Master Plan, supporting flood mitigation and, where possible, prevention strategies.
The presentation was attended by department heads from the City Agriculture Office, City Architect’s Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and City Planning and Development Coordinator’s Office, who also contributed their insights and suggested possible interventions during the discussion.
Mayor Rex C. Oliva highly appreciated the report, noting that it was thorough, data-driven, and provided a clear and meaningful plan for addressing flooding in the city. The Mayor fully committed to supporting these initiatives, including investing in high-end technology such as drones and advanced equipment to map drainage elevations, monitor water flow, and enhance the city’s flood management capabilities.
This technical work is part of a broader, carefully planned approach to environmental management that also includes initiatives such as the Clean-Up Drive, Community Waste Banking Drive, PSF-SWAMSS, and Mt. Iriga Biodiversity Conservation efforts—all strategically designed to protect Iriga City’s natural resources, strengthen infrastructure, and enhance resilience to environmental challenges.
Through these coordinated and data-driven actions, Mayor Rex C. Oliva and the LGU of Iriga City demonstrate a holistic, forward-looking approach, ensuring that every project contributes meaningfully to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient city for all Irigueños. Source: Lungsod Ng Iriga