By Matthew Go
Local government officials in Batangas have appealed to the national government for assistance in clearing the Pansipit River, which runs through multiple towns in Batangas Province and has been a recurring source of severe flooding. The river stretches roughly nine kilometers and affects the towns of Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Lemery, and Taal.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the towns of Talisay and Laurel on November 4 to express condolences and deliver assistance to the families of victims who died due to recent floods caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. The storm, known internationally as Trami, prompted President Marcos to declare November 4 as a National Day of Mourning under Proclamation 728 in solidarity with those affected by the calamity.
Historically, the Pansipit River and surrounding areas have been prone to flooding, exacerbated by limited dredging and an accumulation of silt and debris. As part of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape, management and maintenance of the Pansipit River fall under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Governor Hermilando Mandanas expressed his concern over the rising water levels in Taal Lake, which increased by over a meter within three days during the storm. Mayor Nestor Natanauan of Talisay warned that without immediate action, the area will remain vulnerable to frequent and severe flooding, risking lives and infrastructure.