Cong. Suan Turns Over P180M Flood Control Project To Pagatpat

By Mona Lagbas

October 7,2025, Cagayan de Oro City_ Residents of Sitio Camarahan in Barangay Pagatpat, this city can now heave sighs of relief after 1st District Congressman Attorney Lordan Suan turned over a completed flood mitigation structure to barangay officials Tuesday.

After learning of traumatic experiences of his constituents due to massive and destructive inundation during the onslaughts of Typhoons Sendong and Ondoy, Cong. Suan has been pushing for programs that protect lives, properties and communities from natural disasters. Suan, a multi-awarded legislator, is now on his second term in the House of Representatives.

CdeO 1st District Congressman Lordan Suan leads the ribbon-cutting ceremonies during the turnover of the completed P180M Flood control project in Sitio Camarahan in Barangay Pagatpat Tuesday. Photo by Mona Lagbas

The project, measuring approximately 330 meters, features four berms and a 4-meter paved walkway for maintenance access and safe public passage. Located alongside the Iponan River, it is complimented with a more or less one meter wide Reinforced Concrete Pipe Culvert for effective drainage purposes.

CdeO 1st District Congressman Lordan Suan, in white shirt, walks through the completed P180M Flood Control Project in Sitio Camarahan in Barangay Pagatpat Tuesday. Accompanying Suan are DPWH engineers and barangay Pagatpat officials. Photo by Mona Lagbas

On hand during the project turnover was 1st District Engineering Office head Ana Lee Manzano while project engineer Luke Rigel Hebron highlighted the specifications of the structure.

Made of reinforced structural concrete on the river side and stonemasonry on the dry side, the flood control structure has been designed for long-term durability and suatainability against strong water flow and erosion.

Although substantial protection has been accorded to nearby residents, right of way challenges in some sections of the riverbank have inspired Congressman Suan to seek additional funding next year for the extension of the structure and further provide full coverage for the affected areas. However, major budget cuts ordered by the President for flood control projects nationwide for next year have hindered Representative Suan's plans.

The Camarahan flood control project now serves as a crucial defense of families living near the Iponan River and is envisioned to significantly reduce flood risks, enhance community safety and spur economic growth.