Riding the Wave: How a Flood-Prone Barangay in Cabadbaran City Turned the Tide

COURTESY: DPWH

Hey there, fellow earthlings! Ever heard of that old saying, "When it rains, it pours"? Well, for a certain flood-prone barangay in Cabadbaran City, Agusan Del Norte, this saying used to be all too literal. But fear not, because this story has a happy twist, thanks to some nifty engineering and timely intervention. Grab your rain boots and let's dive into the details of how this community is now basking in the sunshine of safety and security.

First up, let's chat about the Cabadbaran River, the scenic yet sometimes troublesome neighbor to Barangay Calibunan. This river has a bit of a reputation for overstepping its bounds, especially during the rainy season. Flooding and soil erosion were practically the unwelcome guests at every rainy-season party, causing quite the headache for residents.

For years, the community had to deal with the aftermath of Mother Nature's downpour. Imagine waking up to find your backyard has turned into a mini-lagoon, or worse, your home has become a part-time swimming pool. Not exactly the kind of water feature you want in your living room, right?

Just when the residents thought they'd be forever stuck in this soggy saga, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) swooped in like superheroes without the capes. Armed with plans, blueprints, and a hefty budget from the 2024 General Appropriations Act (to the tune of P96.3 million), they were ready to tackle this watery conundrum head-on.

The project was no small feat. It involved constructing a 280-meter concrete revetment along the river's right side, reinforced with structural steel sheet piles. This wasn't just about slapping on some concrete and calling it a day. Nope, they went all out with excavation and embankment activities to ensure stability and longevity. Talk about going the extra mile—or should I say, the extra meter?

Now, here's where things get even more impressive. You know how construction projects sometimes drag on and on? Well, not this time. The DPWH Agusan Del Norte District Engineering Office managed to wrap up this flood mitigation project a whole three months ahead of schedule. That's like finishing your homework on Friday night so you can binge-watch your favorite series all weekend. Kudos to Director Pol M. Delos Santos and the entire team for making it happen!

This speedy completion didn't just mean residents could sleep easier at night; it was a promise fulfilled. As Director Delos Santos put it, they delivered on their promise to protect the lives and properties of folks living near the riverbanks. It's like receiving an early Christmas gift, but instead of a toy, it's the peace of mind that your home won't float away next time it rains.

So, what's life like now for the residents of Barangay Calibunan? Picture this: no more panic at the sight of dark clouds, no more frantic sandbagging, and no more riverside anxiety. The completion of the flood control project has brought a sense of relief and security that was long overdue.

But the benefits go beyond just keeping the floodwaters at bay. With a stable riverbank, the community can now focus on growth and development without the fear of water woes holding them back. It's like the floodgates of opportunity have opened, allowing for new possibilities and brighter prospects.

In conclusion, the story of this flood-prone barangay in Cabadbaran City isn't just about engineering triumphs or budget allocations. It's about a community reclaiming its future, one concrete revetment at a time. So, next time you hear the rain patter on your roof, remember the folks of Barangay Calibunan and their journey from flood-plagued to flood-proof. Rain or shine, they're standing strong!

Roads to Prosperity: How Farm-to-Market Roads Bolster Agusan Del Norte's Agricultural Success

SOURCE: PIA CARAGA REGION

In the heart of Agusan Del Norte, the farm-to-market roads (FMR) are breathing new life into the province. These roads have revolutionized the transportation of agricultural products, leading to improved income for the local farmers. One such individual is Rudolfo C. Mondejar from Barangay Bay-ang, Cabadbaran City, who has experienced the transformative power of these roads firsthand.

Life before the FMR was a tale of hardship and perseverance. The road to the market was riddled with potholes, damaging the products and making the journey arduous. However, these farmers held onto hope, believing in better days.

Today, with the government's intervention, the roads are paved, making it easier for farmers like Mondejar to transport their products to the market. The improvement has not only boosted the local economy but also increased the population of Bay-ang and brought peace to the community.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Regional Executive Director Ricardo Oñate Jr. credits the transformation of the area, particularly the peace and order, to the completion of the FMR project. 

The concreting of the Bay-ang to Mahaba FRM was completed in 2021. It benefited 751 households and was part of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Mindanao cluster, with a project cost of P152,722,814.98.

The completion of the FMR project has removed the daily burdens of farming and facilitated peace in the community. Bay-ang is just one of the many barangays that have reaped the benefits of these improved roads.

With the FMR, farmers are now motivated to plant more and contribute more. This initiative is strengthening the agriculture sector in the region, proving that infrastructure and agriculture go hand in hand.

The PRDP is a national project under the DA that aims to establish a modern, value chain-oriented, and climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. In partnership with local government units and the private sector, it provides key infrastructure, facilities, technology, and information to raise incomes, productivity, and competitiveness.

As of December 2023, 25 infrastructure sub-projects were completed in the Caraga Region with a total cost of P1.823 billion.

The farmers in Agusan Del Norte stand as a testament to the transformative power of infrastructure. Their resilience and hard work, coupled with the government's support, have paved the way for a prosperous and peaceful community.