Civic group Tindig Paombong staged a protest rally on Saturday, September 27, to denounce alleged corruption and substandard flood control projects in Bulacan, particularly in Paombong, which residents say have worsened flooding in their communities.
The day began with a holy mass, followed by a march around the town and nearby barangays. The protest culminated in a program in front of the Paombong municipal hall, where various organizations, students, and community leaders were invited to share their views.
Tindig Paombong Spokesperson Rian Hibo explained how flooding has worsened over the years, even during non-typhoon seasons.
“Maraming pagkakataon na ang bayan ng Paombong po yung kalapit, yung mga barangay po dito ay tuluyan na pong lumulubog sa baha kahit na hindi tag-ulan, kahit na hindi mataas ang baha," Hibo said.
"Napapataas po yung mga tubig at nakakaapekto po sa mga Paumbong ngayon. Kaya nakakalungkot po na yung flood control issue po na kinakaharap ng bayan ng Paombong ngayon ay patuloy pong nagpahirap pa sa Paombongenyo ngayon," she added.
The protest was attended by around 500 participants, including organizations from different parts of Bulacan.
Hibo explained that flooding has become a regular challenge for residents, with some areas requiring boats for transport during heavy rains. She, who hails from Sitio Kulis, Barangay San Jose.
“Umaabot po ng lagpas ng tuhod po yung baha na inaabot. At nakakaapekto po ito sa Paombong ngayon sa panghanap po nila. At the same time, yung mga ginagawa po nilang, katulad po na pag-aaral, at the same time yung mga pagtatrabaho po nila," she stressed.
She also pointed out that flood control projects have not only failed but worsened the situation.
“Dito po sa barangay San Jose ay yung mga flood control po dito ay substandard nga po. Katulad din po sa Pinalagdan, sa San Roque Paombong Bulacan, iniwan pong nakatengga yung flood control project. At ito po ay kumbaga pinondohan na po ito ng buong-buo pero hindi pa rin po tapos hanggang ngayon," the spokesperson claimed.
Despite government interventions, Hibo says the local government’s response has been insufficient. She further noted that while some roads are being repaired, the projects are either incomplete or ineffective.
Water supply crisis
Adding to the crisis, Hibo said that Paombong suffers from both frequent flooding and water shortages.
“Kahit na napakataas po ng baha, wala pa rin po tubig sa Paombong. At nagkakaroon po ng crisis sa tubig po," she added.
She added that their water supplier varied, but was mostly PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., owned by the Villar family, which has been flagged for poor water services.
Tindig vs. Gov't corruption
The group also raised concerns about corruption in infrastructure spending. According to Hibo, the protest seeks accountability from politicians.
“Ang Tindig po ng Paombong ay inorganisa po ng mamamayan ng Paombong ngayon para po sa pagtugon sa mga katiwalian po sa flood control project at sa mga pambubulsa ng mga politiko dun sa pera na dapat nakalaan para po sa bayan ng Pilipino at sa mga proyektong nakalaan dapat po sa Paombong ngayon," she emphasized.
“Ang panawagan po natin, ang mapagkaisahan po natin, maipaglaban. Dahil karapatan po ng bawat Pilipino at ang Paombong ngayon na maibahagi ang kanilang palupin, ang kanilang galit, ang kanilang inis sa naging problema po sa flood control project. At the same time po, inaasahan po namin na pagkatapos po ng pagkilos… makakapili po tayo sa susunod ng nararapat na leader na magliligot po sa atin. At tingnan po natin ang leader na hindi ginagawa ng negosyo ang politika,” Hibo added.
The town of Paombong is part of Bulacan’s 1st District, represented in Congress by Daniel Fernando.
Flood control projects in Bulacan’s 1st District have become a hot issue after numerous anomalies were flagged, including ghost and substandard projects carried out by contractors now under investigation.
The area is under the DPWH 1st District, where former assistant engineer Bryce Hernandez admitted that many of the town’s projects were ‘substandard.’
