Following severe flooding brought on by a storm surge from Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, Rep. Mark Cojuangco of the Pangasinan 2nd District is advocating for the building of a seawall along the Lingayen gulf.
The Pangasinan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office ()reported that the storm surge flooded nine towns as well as portions of the capitol grounds, causing Cojuangco to revive the seawall bid.
Almost a done deal
Under the 2023 budget, the national government has allocated PHP110 million for a 1,378-meter extension and PHP75 million for a 940-meter file sheet and concrete seawall project for Lingayen.
Construction was halted in September of last year for livelihood and environmental reasons.
Fishermen's opposition to the project, which they said would negatively impact their livelihood, is one of the reasons why it was derailed.
How a seawall can protect coastline towns
Built parallel to the shore at the point where the beach meets the mainland or dune, a seawall is a barrier composed of sheet piling, concrete, or masonry.
The goal of building a seawall is to stop coastal erosion and shield the inland region from wave action, including storm surges.
Seawalls come in a range of profiles, including stepped, vertical, and sloped.
