Dizon on Cebu flood control projects: ‘Poorly planned, poorly executed’

Local

THE walls meant to hold the waters back failed when Cebu needed them most.

The flood control structures built to protect communities failed during Typhoon Tino, prompting the national government to order a sweeping review of hundreds of projects across the province.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said the infrastructure did not serve its purpose, calling many of the projects “poorly planned” and “poorly executed.”

“Their failure is undeniable. Poorly planned, poorly executed, and we have to determine whether there was foul play involved,” Dizon said during his visit to flood-hit areas in Talisay City on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Acting under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive, Dizon inspected riverside communities along the Mananga River that were submerged during the typhoon despite existing flood control systems.

In Sitio Isla Verde, Barangay San Isidro, a riprap wall gave way to raging waters, inundating hundreds of homes.

Dizon said the damage revealed deep flaws in Cebu’s flood mitigation systems and called for a complete redesign.

He emphasized that flood prevention should start with managing water flow upstream, not merely constructing barriers downstream.

He said the DPWH will coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and hydrology experts to develop long-term strategies while beginning rehabilitation work in the most affected areas.

Meanwhile, Malacañang has also ordered an audit of more than 500 flood control projects in Cebu, following the devastation left by Typhoon Tino.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said 343 of the projects were built between 2016 and 2022, while another 168 were implemented under the current administration.

Two were terminated during the Duterte administration, while 55 under Marcos remain ongoing.

Castro said President Marcos shared the frustration of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, who earlier lamented that the province continues to suffer from flooding despite P26 billion in flood control spending.

She said the review would be conducted by the DPWH and the Independent Commission on Investigation to determine whether irregularities contributed to the failure of the projects.(MyTVCebu)