Napocor OKs check on strength of dam

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, Philippines—The National Power Corp. (Napocor) will hire foreign experts and engineers to determine whether Angat Dam can withstand a strong earthquake in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

“We are going to take necessary actions. Independent and credible experts, most likely from foreign countries, can be tapped to [inspect the dam] so that the results of the investigation will have full credibility,” said Froilan Tampinco, Napocor president.

Napocor owns and operates the Angat River Hydro Electric Power Plant (Arhepp).

Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado earlier urged authorities to determine the vulnerability of the 43-year-old Angat Dam, which supplies Metro Manila its potable water.

Tampinco said his office had discussed the governor’s appeal with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.