Politics · Philippines Bureau
Marcos: Debris and illegal logs clog Sto. Cristo Dam, not structural damage
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says the Sto. Cristo Dam in Pampanga suffered no structural damage but became congested with debris and logs believed sourced from upstream illegal logging operations. The administration plans to install temporary barriers to prevent further accumulation.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday attributed blockages at the Sto. Cristo Dam in Pampanga to debris accumulation rather than structural failure, following an on-site inspection of the facility.
The President said the dam became clogged with assorted debris and logs that potentially originated from illegal logging activities upstream. The accumulation reportedly restricted water flow through the facility, prompting concerns about its operational capacity.
To address the congestion issue, Marcos announced plans to construct a temporary barrier system designed to intercept and prevent future debris from reaching the dam. The measure aims to mitigate similar blockages while authorities address the upstream illegal logging problem.
The inspection and subsequent statement underscore ongoing challenges with environmental management in the region, particularly regarding logging enforcement and watershed protection that directly impact critical water infrastructure.