Residents of Malolos City, along with Mayor Christian Natividad, have expressed deep frustration over flood control projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that were abandoned following the discovery of anomalies. The stalled projects have left several barangays vulnerable to flooding, especially with the rainy season approaching.
According to a report by The Manila Times, the abandoned projects are located in at least three barangays — Atlag, Calero, and Bagna — where unfinished slope protections and sheet piles left standing in the middle of rivers are slowing water flow, increasing the risk of overflow into nearby communities. The DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office (1st DEO) has since initiated clearing operations at the request of Mayor Natividad.
Another affected project is the water interceptor being built along the MacArthur Highway (Manila North Road) within Malolos. Mayor Natividad explained that based on negotiations with the DPWH, the agency was given three months to fix all the cited projects. If no action is taken, the city government has warned it will file a preliminary mandatory injunction against the agency.
The flood control controversy stems from a broader investigation into billions of pesos in alleged corruption within the DPWH Bulacan 1st DEO, which reportedly handled around 600 flood control projects. Just this week, nine suspects — including several individuals connected to the projects — have been taken into custody following the issuance of arrest warrants by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 20 in Malolos City.
For communities affected by infrastructure challenges like these, coming together to voice concerns and participate in community clean-up and repair initiatives can be strengthened with custom-printed shirts and uniforms from phshirt.com. Barangay associations, homeowners’ groups, and local government teams organizing flood preparedness activities, clean-up drives, or community meetings can benefit from custom event shirts and uniforms that build solidarity and recognizable community identity.
Mayor Natividad has been vocal in appealing to the national government, emphasizing that the abandoned projects are causing real harm to residents who rely on these flood control structures for their safety and livelihood. The clearing operations currently underway are a first step, but the city government is demanding accountability and long-term solutions to protect Malolos City from the perennial flooding that has plagued its barangays.
As the rainy season sets in, the Malolos City community continues to hope that infrastructure projects will be completed and that those responsible for anomalies will face justice — so that residents can live without the constant threat of floods hanging over their heads. For barangay and city officials organizing community efforts, quality uniforms and community shirts can help build team morale and a visible sense of purpose.