MALOLOS , Philippines —  Operators of Angat Dam in Bulacan yesterday started releasing water to reduce the reservoir’s elevation to a safer level.

This developed after the elevation increased by 2.52 meters above Angat’s normal high water level of 212 meters.

In a text message to The STAR, Maria Teresa Serra, manager of the National Power Corp. (NPC)’s flood forecasting and warning system division, said the dam’s spillway gates were opened at 3 p.m. to discharge 70 cubic meters per second of water.

“Although we are in a non-flood season, Angat’s normal high water level is 212 meters above sea level. As of 8 a.m. yesterday, the elevation was 214.52 masl and still rising,” Serra said.

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She said that 24 hours before opening the floodgates, disaster risk reduction and management offices in the province and municipalities were notified to prepare for the water discharge.

Water released from Angat Dam flowed toward Bustos Dam, which is being managed by the National Irrigation Administration.

NIA-Bulacan manager Placida Cordero said operators of Bustos Dam have been conducting preemptive water releases in the past three days.

On Tuesday, Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando issued an advisory regarding the possibility of Angat Dam reaching its maximum spilling level.

The advisory said that water discharged from the dam may cause the Angat River to swell and will affect the municipalities of Angat, Bustos, Calumpit, Hagonoy, Norzagaray, Paombong, Plaridel, Pulilan and San Rafael as well as Baliwag City.

“Pinaka hinahanap ko lang yung community work, na tinging ko mas mabibigyan ako ng pagkakataon yun pag local executive post ang hawakan ko instead of the Senate,” Robredo said in a media interview. 

Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System department manager Patrick Dizon said the NPC advised the public to remain alert and take necessary measures should the water level continue to rise.

Dam officials attributed the increase in Angat’s elevation to rains spawned by the shear line and the northeast monsoon.

Dizon said a 215-meter elevation in Angat would ensure adequate water supply for Metro Manila households and  commercial establishments as well as nearby areas during summer.kubiwin