Posted on November 19, 2025
The dredging of Pantal River in Dagupan City has been stalled for almost two months due to funding delays, but engineers say the project may restart early next year once the national government releases the budget needed.
DPWH Region 1 project engineer Jethro Palinlin said their team had already filed a request for additional funds, but the release has been slower than usual.
“Nag-request na kami ng budget. Every time naman na mauubos na ang budget at nagre-request na kami, sadyang delayed lang ang budget ngayon,” he said.
Palinlin noted that based on updates from their central office, funding has already been allocated and may be released by the first quarter of 2026.
“Doon sa update nila sa amin, for funding naman na raw, may allocation naman na,” he added.
Despite the funding gap, the city government has helped DPWH continue limited dredging work. The assistance allows the agency to operate its equipment and conduct dredging once or twice a week.
Residents near the river also benefit from the dredging spoils, which they use to elevate flood-prone areas of their homes.
“Malaking tulong kasi ginagawa namin itong panambak doon sa baha na area sa bahay namin,” Angela Español, a resident, said.
Two dredging machines remain on standby at Pantal River, while three others are undergoing dry docking and maintenance.
Authorities hope full operations will resume once funds are released next year.
