Residents of Barangay San Francisco in Baao, Camarines Sur, recalled how floodwaters rose to head level when Severe Tropical Storm Kristine struck in October last year. They believe a five-kilometer riprap road could have reduced the damage, but the project was left unfinished and has since been abandoned.

Barangay officials have raised concerns about what they described as the contractor’s poor workmanship on the flood control project. Barangay Chairperson Orestes Rasonable said they had urged the contractor to improve the quality of the project, noting that it was meant to protect their community during typhoons.

The barangay council has already elevated the matter to municipal and provincial governments, but no action has been taken. Rasonable lamented that whenever they confront the contractor, they are told to “ask permission from the boss,” without clarity on who is accountable.

Residents also recalled that construction work was still ongoing before Typhoon Kristine, but stopped completely afterward. Now, the site only serves as a reminder of the unfulfilled project. While a backhoe remains at the area, there is no project board displaying details of the contractor, budget, or timeline.

According to media source, Camarines Sur has 250 projects worth P17.5 billion, the highest in Bicol. Across the region, 866 flood control projects costing P49.61 billion have been recorded, making up 9% of the national total.