ROXAS, ORIENTAL MINDORO– In a town where farming and community life flourish along riverbanks, safety from natural disaster is a cornerstone of stability. More than 11,000 residents of Roxas now breathe easier with the completion of the Madugo I River Control Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Southern Mindoro District Engineering Office.
Situated in Brgy. Malaya, near the central town and surrounded by homes, farmlands, and livestock areas, the project is more than just an infrastructure development—it is a protection for life, livelihood, and the environment.
Wall of Protection Against River Flooding
The Madugo I River Control Project involved the construction and extension of 1,522 linear meters of concrete revetment along both riverbanks. These structures act as the community’s first line of defense against flooding, especially during heavy rains and typhoon seasons that regularly visit the province.
With flooding under control, areas like Brgy. Dangay and Brgy. Bagumbayan—both important to the local economy due to their agricultural and livestock industries—are spared from recurring water damage. For local farmers, this means crops are more secure, soil quality is better preserved, and the constant fear of losing their harvest to swollen rivers is greatly reduced.
One of the resident in Brgy. Dangay, Rhodessa De Martin Mendoza, express her gratitude towards all government officials who implemented the flood project, “Kami po ay nagpapasalamat na nagkaroon po ng flood control project po dito sa amin sapagkat di na po kami nangangamba sa aming kaligtasan tuwing aapaw po ang ilog.”
She added, “Nagpapasalamat po kami lalong lalo na sa aming pangulo kay Pangulong Marcos dahil po sa project na ito, secured napo ang buhay ng aming kapamilya lalong lalo na yung ari-arian din po namin.”
District Engineer Annielyn E. Padullo, in her report to DPWH MIMAROPA Regional Director Gerald A. Pacanan, CESO III, emphasized that the structure ensures safety not only for properties but also for livelihoods. For many households, livestock such as cattle, pigs, and poultry are their main sources of income. By preventing river overflow, the project provides security for these small-scale farming ventures, allowing families to sustain their daily needs and even grow their businesses.
Beyond the immediate safety it provides, the Madugo I River Control Project offers a long-term benefit. With fewer disruptions from floods, schools and businesses can operate more consistently. Roads and bridges like the Madugo Bridge, located in the central part of the municipality, remain more accessible even during harsh weather, ensuring smoother transportation of goods and services.
Moreover, disaster preparedness is strengthened. Instead of focusing on post-disaster recovery, the community can now channel efforts and resources toward development projects, education, and livelihood expansion.
The project stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to safeguarding communities in Oriental Mindoro. It simply shows how infrastructure development is not just about building structures but about building resilience—helping residents feel safer, protecting their daily life, and laying a solid foundation for future growth.
As for the people of Roxas, the Madugo I River Control Project is more than just a concrete along the riverbanks. It is peace of mind, knowing that their homes, livelihoods and families have now stronger protection against future natural calamities.
