Flood,infra projects priority in provincial plan

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The implementation of flood control and infrastructure projects in the province has been given priority by a proposed master plan for a Pampanga megalopolis (super city) laid out by architect and urban planner Felino Palafox Jr., Gov. Lilia Pineda said on Friday.

“We know you expect us to immediately address flooding and traffic so we won’t wait for the comprehensive study to be finished before we undertake those,” Pineda told some 1,000 representatives of the public and private sectors who gathered here to hear Palafox’s presentation.

The Department of Public Works and Highways committed P2 billion for flood-control works along the Pampanga River, which drains 30 rivers in Central Luzon to Manila Bay.

The megalopolis consists of a golden triangle formed by the City of San Fernando-Lubao, Angeles-Clark Freeport and Porac-Subic Bay Freeport.

“In this plan, people should be [served] first,” Palafox said.

Palafox did not give a time frame for presentation of studies. —TONETTE OREJAS