MALASIQUI, Dec. 12 -- The provincial government on Friday commenced a 10-year river rehabilitation and flood mitigation project, starting with the desilting of major river systems.

Large vessels will remove accumulated sediment from river mouths, including the Agno River and Limahong Channel, to address chronic flooding caused by siltation.

"The project was started at the mouth of coastal rivers using huge boats to remove mud, sand, and other sediments in the river that cause the overflow of major river systems," the provincial government said in a statement on Friday.

Governor Ramon Guico III said dredging begins at the Limahong Channel in Lingayen and the Nayum River in Dasol.

The project, a collaboration with national agencies and...