Pampanga Business Chamber Sounds Alarm Over Repeated Flood Control Failures in Arayat
A newly established business organization in Pampanga has voiced serious concerns regarding the recurring structural failures of the Candating flood control project located in the municipality of Arayat. The Pampanga Business Chamber (PBC), a recently formed coalition comprising prominent business leaders across the province, has expressed significant alarm following the third documented collapse of this controversial flood control structure on January 23, 2026.
Demand for Independent Assessments and Oversight
In response to these repeated incidents, the PBC has formally called for a series of rigorous measures to address the underlying issues. Citing official reports from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the business group is advocating for independent geotechnical assessments, comprehensive third-party soil testing, and enhanced project oversight mechanisms. These steps are deemed essential to accurately determine the root causes behind the persistent damage to the dike infrastructure.
The chamber emphasizes that a thorough and credible investigation is not merely a procedural necessity but a critical requirement to safeguard human lives, protect local livelihoods, and ensure the stability of economic activities throughout Pampanga. Rene G. Romero, a representative of the PBC, articulated the urgency of the situation, stating, "Every collapse of this flood control project endangers families and businesses alike. Flood control must be resilient, accountable, and life-saving, not a revolving door of repairs."
Chamber's Mandate and Future Monitoring Efforts
The Pampanga Business Chamber, which is scheduled to officially launch later this week, has outlined its core mission to act as a vanguard for public safety, promote good governance practices, and provide economic protection for the province's residents and enterprises. In line with this commitment, the group has pledged to maintain vigilant monitoring of all major infrastructure projects within Pampanga. This ongoing oversight aims to proactively identify potential risks and deficiencies, thereby helping to protect both lives and properties from future infrastructural failures.
The repeated collapses of the Candating flood control project highlight broader concerns about infrastructure resilience and accountability in the region. As the PBC prepares to begin its operations, its focus on this issue underscores the critical intersection between public safety, economic stability, and effective governance in addressing environmental and structural challenges.
