Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” ripped through Antique on Friday, September 26, causing the collapse of a section of the P200-million Camancijan Mega Dike in Barangay Camancijan, Culasi town, and sending floodwaters into nearby lowland communities.
Mayor Joel Lumugdang pointed out the absence of proper coordination between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the municipal government on the condition and maintenance of the dike.
Videos posted online showed torrents of water breaching the embankment, scouring the adjacent land, and leaving a wide hole. Completed in 2018, the dike was built to protect riverside households along the Bacong River but is now under scrutiny for its durability.
Municipal Engineer Marlon Tobla said heavy equipment will be needed to divert the river flow and keep the water from reaching homes.
Meanwhile, engineers from the DPWH Antique District Engineering Office are expected to assess whether the collapse stemmed from overtopping, scouring at the base, or structural defects.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) had earlier warned communities of possible flooding as “Opong” brought heavy rains.
Antique has faced repeated disasters in recent years. In July 2025, the province declared a state of calamity after storms caused more than P600 million in damages, affecting over 22,000 families and destroying key infrastructure, roads, and schools.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.