The community of Sitio Malabong, in Ilog, Negros Occidental, faced a terrifying situation this Thursday afternoon, November 13, when a critical section of the ongoing flood control project failed dangerously. The structure—part of a massive, years-long undertaking—broke, exposing nearby homes to the immediate threat of devastating floods and structural collapse.
Residents living precariously close to the broken ditch watched in horror as the circular excavation continued to crumble. The breach highlights the profound danger this prolonged project poses to their lives and property. Many feel they have been left vulnerable, with the very project meant to protect them now turning into a source of anxiety and peril.
“We are all pitiful; we are asking the help of our government to solve this,” shared Joy Monton, a distraught resident of the area. Her sentiment is echoed by her neighbors, who are urgently calling on authorities to take immediate action. The residents are demanding that their concerns be prioritized and that effective repair work begin without delay.
Greg Estrella, another local, recounted the frightening incident, stating that he was among the first to witness the dike’s failure and describing how its integrity completely gave way, leaving only scattered debris. What adds to the community’s frustration and fear is that significant leaks in the flood control structure have been an ongoing issue, one they haven’t seen properly addressed for a considerable time.
This shared flood control initiative is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Alarmingly, the project has already seen two years of delays, making the current breach not just a safety hazard but also a symbol of prolonged construction and community hardship. The time for promises is over; Sitio Malabong needs rapid, concrete intervention to secure their homes and futures from the Narusdak River’s wrath.