Malasiqui Pangasinan, Aug. 1 -- Two gates of the San Roque Dam in Pangasinan were opened by a total of 4.5 meters as of 2 p.m. Friday, to prevent the continued rise of water in anticipation of incoming weather disturbances.

National Power Corporation-San Roque Dam flood operation manager Teresa Serra said in a phone interview that the estimated total discharge from the recent gate opening is around 880 cubic meters per second.

"This is necessary since Binga and Ambuklao are still releasing water even if there are no more rainfall in most parts of Pangasinan. The water level of the dam is still rising and we need to draw it back to safer level. This is the best time to drawdown the water in the dam since there is not much rain and the wa...