Posted on August 24, 2026
BAGUIO CITY — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon ordered immediate and long-term measures to address recurring flooding in the La Trinidad valley, particularly around the Strawberry Farm in Benguet’s capital town.
During his visit to La Trinidad on Friday, Aug. 21, Dizon said the flooding, which has persisted for more than 20 years, has worsened as increasing runoff from surrounding developed areas drains toward the Strawberry Farm basin.
For immediate relief, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) plans to dredge Bolo Creek and the Balili River, clear an existing drainage system leading to Balog Creek, deploy mobile pumps and install floodgates to prevent water from backing up into the strawberry fields.
Mobile pumps are expected to be deployed starting September to drain excess water from the Strawberry Farm basin toward Balog Creek.
For a longer-term solution, the DPWH is studying a larger drainage system along Strawberry Road leading to the Balili River.
The agency has also identified five potential detention basins where excess water could be temporarily stored before flowing into Bolo Creek and the Balili River.
Officials will coordinate with Benguet State University on the possible use of its property for detention basins and additional drainage facilities.
Dizon said the DPWH will prioritize quick interventions to ease flooding while developing permanent flood-control projects.
