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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has commissioned a P150-million study to assess the feasibility of transforming Candaba Swamp in Pampanga into large-scale canal systems to mitigate flooding in the area.
The study, in partnership with a Vietnamese university and engineering contractors, will determine whether the infrastructure project can become a vast water storage, irrigation, and agricultural transport network.
READ: Bulacan asks Pampanga to excavate, deepen Candaba Swamp to prevent floods
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The proposed infrastructure project takes inspiration from the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s rice bowl, connecting 1.5 million farmers with rice traders and processors, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.
The DA stated that the study will conclude by the end of this year and will determine the project’s final design, cost, and funding structure.
“These are not small canals,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement on Monday, adding that waterways are wide and deep enough to accommodate vessels and connected to tributaries.
The proposed waterways, spanning 100 meters wide and 7 meters deep, could serve as a massive holding area for excess water during heavy rains. It would cover the roughly 6,000-hectare swamp and other nearby areas.
“As we redirect water into the canals, portions of the swamp dry out and become available for cultivation.,” the DA said.
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“The proposed waterways could also create an alternative logistics network for agricultural producers. Instead of moving harvests entirely by road, farmers could use the canals to transport crops and other agricultural products,” it added.
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The agency also noted that its proposal presents an opportunity to address the costly problems of recurring flooding and the limited use of large areas for agricultural production.
Tiu Laurel said the agency has already presented this concept to President Marcos, who is considering other proposals to address flooding that impacts economic activity in Central Luzon permanently.
The DA is also looking into other major marshes and river basins, including the Agusan and Lingasnan marshes and the Lagayan River Basin. /pai
