In a significant move to tackle the chronic flooding plaguing Pampanga's fourth district, local officials have initiated the development of a long-term strategic plan. The effort was spearheaded by Fourth District Representative Anna York Bondoc, who organized a crucial flood summit on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Multi-Sectoral Collaboration for Flood Solutions
The summit brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region III, municipal mayors, engineers, and representatives from various towns within the district. Notably, Japanese technical experts from CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. (CTII) and its joint venture team participated in the discussions, contributing their expertise to potential flood mitigation strategies.
Municipal Leaders Present Flooding Realities
During the proceedings, local officials provided detailed presentations on the flooding situations in their respective municipalities. Among the attendees were Mayor Danilo Guintu of Masantol and Mayor John Sambo of Sto. Tomas, along with representatives from the frequently affected towns of Minalin and Macabebe. These areas have long suffered from inundation, impacting communities and livelihoods.
Representative Bondoc emphasized the summit's primary objective: "Layunin ng summit na makabuo ng konkretong solusyon at pangmatagalang plano upang mabawasan o tuluyang maiwasan ang pagbaha na nakaaapekto sa mga komunidad," she stated, highlighting the goal to formulate concrete solutions and a sustainable plan to reduce or entirely prevent flooding affecting local communities.
Path Forward: Continued Consultations
While specific details of the discussed plans and strategies were not disclosed publicly, Bondoc confirmed that participants reached a consensus to continue consultations. This ongoing dialogue aims to craft a concrete action plan focused on delivering long-term solutions to the district's flooding challenges, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach.
Pampanga Press Club Concludes Journalism Training
In a separate but related development, the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) successfully concluded its 2026 Basic Journalism Training on Saturday, March 14. The free program, held at the Pampanga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Training Center, mentored nearly 100 young campus writers from the province through workshops covering basic newswriting, online reporting, and photography.
Expert Instructors and Support
The training featured instructors including Ian Ocampo Flora from SunStar Pampanga, Ria de Fiesta of Pampanga News Now, Frederick Gonzales from Central Luzon Businessweek, and Jojo Due of Trends and Spots Blogmag. Under the leadership of president Lincoln M. Baluyut, the PPC implemented the program with support from the Pampanga Provincial Capitol, Philippine Sports Commission, Royce Hotel & Casino in Clark Freeport, and Orchids Bookstore.
Tonette Orejas, the Training Director, explained the program's significance: "This lecture series is a commitment of the PPC to hone the skills of young writers especially those who wish to enter the journalism practice," she said. The sustainable program, conducted yearly, dates back to 2000 during Bert Basa's presidency, continued under Peter Alagos in 2009, and was revived in 2019 under Orejas' leadership alongside chairman Noel Tulabut.
Established in 1949, the Pampanga Press Club holds the distinction of being the second oldest press club in the country, underscoring its enduring role in fostering journalistic excellence and community engagement.
