Tarlac City – The first few days of sandbagging operations along Romulo Boulevard had been a success, as City Mayor Cristy Angeles is elated that Tarlaqueños took heed her call for bayanihan for the good of the city.
It is recalled that portion of dike along Romulo Blvd has been damaged by the past strong typhoons. Angeles said that the repair of the said dike is the responsibility of DPWH, but instead of just passively waiting for the DPWH to undertake the repairs, she said that Tarlaqueños should do their part and stand on their own, more so that the rainy season is already here. Not doing anything about the damaged dike could cause flooding in major parts of the city causing more damage. It is in this light that Angeles rallied the participation of every Tarlaqueño in a bayanihan, for each and every one to take part in this project.
Angeles said that as of 2016, the city is cash strapped so the city has no money for this sandbagging operation. In her Facebook account (mayorCristyAngeles), the mayor is thankful that the Tarlaqueños took heed of her call.
Different barangays and government and private offices and agencies are sending their own volunteers for the manpower, while businesses and other individuals have been donating food, drinks, sacks, equipment among others for the project.
As of July 27, the following barangays and offices have sent their volunteers: Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Brgy. Salapungan, Brgy. Cut-Cut 1, Brgy. San Isidro, Brgy. Tibag, Brgy. Tibagan, 3rd Mechanize, Tarlac Police Provincial Office, Provincial & City Bureau of Fire Protection, 522 EOB, Department of Public Works and Highways, Brgy. Aguso, Brgy. Tariji, Brgy. San Luis, Brgy. Calingcuan, Brgy San Vicente, Brgy. San Jose de Urquico, TOG 3, TRADOC, City Engineers Office, and Prime Water. Other volunteers are scheduled for the entire 10-day project course.
The city still needs more volunteers and donations for the success of the project./TarlacWeekender News Team