SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon — The local chief executive of this town has ordered a probe into complaints by residents, especially farmers in the villages of Malayanan, Tugop, and Sacramento Valley, who raised alarm over the rising water level of the Pulangi River that flooded farmlands

Communities in the affected areas — largely dependent on corn farming and other agricultural produce — reported that several hectares of crops were submerged after a sudden surge of water last October 29.

Local officials traced the incident to the commissioning test run of the Cabanglasan Hydropower Corp. (CHC), during which water from the newly constructed dam was impounded for reservoir testing.

The process, they said, caused a significant increase in the river’s water level, inundating nearby riverbank villages.

The 15-megawatt run-of-river hydropower plant is located along the Pulangi River in Barangay Lumbayao, Valencia City.

San Fernando Mayor Rogelio Yeke had directed the local government offices on Environment, Engineering, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Agriculture, and the Assessor to conduct an on-site investigation to determine the full extent of the flooding.

He also instructed the Municipal Agriculture Office to carry out validation and assessment of the damages to crops, livestock, and properties.

“All damages to the community must be properly recorded. The company must take responsibility and provide compensation for the losses, particularly in Barangay Tugop, which was heavily affected,” Yeke said.

The mayor added that while hydropower development is a welcome investment for San Fernando, it “must not come at the expense of the safety, welfare, and environment of the communities.”

He disclosed that hydropower company officials have expressed willingness to provide compensation and take responsibility for damages incurred by affected residents.

Yeke further stressed that the company should ensure the gradual release of impounded water during extreme weather events to prevent flooding in riverbank areas, particularly in low-lying communities.

Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Menro) Romero Navaja confirmed that the abrupt rise in the Pulangi River’s water level was caused by the impounding dam gates along the river operated by the hydropower firm.

“The company began its test run on October 29, without prior notice to the San Fernando local government and the affected communities, particularly in Purok 4, Barangay Tugop, where corn crops were badly destroyed,” Navaja said.

He added that the company’s lack of coordination caused panic among residents, especially those living near the riverbanks. (Mel N. Velez/Inquirer)