Over 20 Homes Damaged as Arayat Dike Collapses Again in Pampanga
More than 20 houses were damaged, with eight completely destroyed, after a controversial dike in Barangay Candating, Arayat, Pampanga collapsed on Friday afternoon. This incident marks the second failure of the flood control structure, which was built to protect the area from flooding when the Pampanga River overflows.
Recurring Structural Failures
In August 2025, the same section of the dike first collapsed following a series of typhoons, raising concerns about its durability and construction quality. The repeated breaches have left residents vulnerable and highlighted ongoing issues with the infrastructure project.
DPWH Plans Legal Action and Expert Review
According to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, the agency is preparing to file cases against the contractors involved, identified as Eddmari Construction and Trading, as well as DPWH officials allegedly implicated in the nearly P100 million flood control projects. Dizon emphasized that the final technical assessment from the DPWH Central Office will serve as the basis for further steps.
An engineer from Eddmari argued that the soil, not the sheet piles, caused the dike's collapse. However, Dizon remains focused on the official assessment to determine accountability and next actions.
Seeking Long-Term Solutions
Dizon also plans to seek assistance from the Technical Working Group on Flood Control Management, including hydrologists and other experts, to develop more effective and sustainable solutions for the recurring floods. This effort aims to align with the agency's existing master plans and ensure better protection for the community in the future.
