TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — Residents of Zone 1 in Barangay San Isidro were jolted awake early Monday morning, August 17, 2026, when a 50-meter section of a newly constructed dike collapsed amid monsoon rains that swelled the Tarlac River.
The incident, which occurred around 4:00 a.m., has raised urgent concerns regarding the structural integrity of the project, which was completed just six months ago.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Tarlac 1st District Engineering Office personnel assessed the damage as heavy equipment started reinforcing the collapsed section of the dike.
Barangay officials, local volunteers, the Provincial Government of Tarlac, the Tarlac City Government, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Army launched the emergency sandbagging operations to stem the further erosion of the end section of the new dike and a portion of the older dike.
The flood-control infrastructure, identified as part of the “Repair / Rehabilitation / Improvement of Flood Control Structures along Tarlac River Control” in San Isidro, was funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act with a budget of P45,426,687.15.
According to DPWH records, the project under Contract ID 25CJ0310 was handled by GJE Builders Corporation, with the contract reaching 100% completion on February 6, 2026.
Tarlac City Vice Mayor KT Angeles, who visited the site to coordinate assistance for the affected residents, expressed deep concern over the collapse.
“We are very worried sa nangyari kaya nagpunta ako mismo para makita kung paano sila (residents) matutulungan in our own humble ways,” Angeles said in an interview with Luid Tarlac.
She emphasized that the contractor must be held accountable for the swift restoration of the structure.
“Responsibility ng contractor ay huwag niyang kakalimutan na ayusin ang kailangan ayusin sa nangyaring pag-collapse ng dike,” Angeles added.
Meanwhile, City Mayor Susan Yap also addressed the public through a social media post, urging residents of Zone 1 to maintain a safe distance from the dike as the situation remains volatile.
“Iwasan ang paglapit sa dike ng Zone 1, Brgy San Isidro upang matiyak ang inyong kaligtasan. Mapanganib ang lugar dahil nasira at gumuho ang bahagi ng dike. Maaaring biglang lumawak ang pagguho o tumaas ang tubig,” Yap warned.
She advised citizens to adhere strictly to the guidance of local authorities as emergency operations continue.
