2 DPWH engineers sacked after man falls to death in canal

Inquirer files MANILA, Philippines — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has sacked two of his engineers in Pampanga province’s third district after a man fell to his death in an open drainage canal during monsoon rains late last month. Aser Mallari and Agustin Dagsaan Jr., officers in charge in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Office of District Engineer and Office of the Assistant District Engineer, respectively, were relieved on Sunday for their “failure to comply with the required safety measures.” This came days after Reiner Novero, 25, died after falling into a flooded, open drainage canal along the Fil-Am Friendship Highway in Barangay Cutcut in Angeles City, Pampanga, on Aug. 28. He was swept away by the floodwaters when he fell. Article continues after this advertisement Novero’s body was found beneath a bridge in front of a subdivision in Barangay Sto. Domingo, some two kilometers from where he fell. The incident sparked safety concerns among many social media users pointing out why a drainage canal was left open. READ: Why Central Luzon needs more than piecemeal flood projects Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna announced the rollout of the Provincial Climate Risk Diagnostics (PCRD) tool to more provinces to help local governments spot risks and build resilience from natural disasters. Developed with the United Nations and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the tool helps identify risks from climate hazards, such as flooding, landslides, severe winds, forest fires and extreme temperatures. “Climate action is strongest when it is guided by sound data and risk-informed planning,” Cuna said in a statement, stressing that this will help local governments transition toward evidence-based decisions that protect communities, sustain livelihoods and safeguard ecosystems. Article continues after this advertisement After all, local governments need to base adaptation and development decisions on reliable evidence, he added. The tool can also assess current conditions and projected exposure scenarios for 2030 and 2050, giving provinces information needed to develop long-term adaptation strategies. Article continues after this advertisement El Niño Earlier, the United Nations’ weather agency warned that El Niño is expected to intensify to “very strong” levels in the coming months and is almost certain to persist through February. El Niño raises sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, triggering changes in global wind patterns, atmospheric pressure, and rainfall. The World Meteorological Organization said the phenomenon is likely to peak toward the end of the year, with its climate impacts expected to linger into 2027. —WITH A REPORT FROM SHERIDAN DELFINO Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.