Inventory of flood control projects in Mandaue sought

Local

MANDAUE City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano ordered a full inventory of all flood control projects in the city, including those implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and those initiated by the local government, to ensure accountability and proper monitoring.

The City Engineering Office has been tasked to coordinate with the DPWH Sixth District Engineering Office to consolidate the list of completed, ongoing, and pending projects.

Ouano also requested the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) to provide updates on locally funded works that were launched under the previous administration.

“Mas maayo nga naa tay inventory ana kung asa ni ang mga ongoing flood-control projects diri sa City of Mandaue,” said Ouano.

According to DPWH, a total of 51 flood control projects worth P3.8 billion were implemented in Mandaue from 2022 to 2025, most of them located along the Butuanon River and Mahiga Creek.

Some projects remain unfinished due to environmental clearance issues, but the agency assured that all projects are accounted for.

Ouano said many of these projects were highlighted during his sister Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon’s campaign.

“Not only ako’ng igsuon si Congresswoman ‘Lolypop’ Ouano-Dizon, I’ve seen it myself personally during the campaign kay amo man ng gitan-aw,” he said.

Among the ongoing works is the flood control system in Barangay Banilad, which is expected to ease flooding in A.S. Fortuna Street once completed.

Another project, the Rolling Hills drainage line, remains incomplete due to relocation concerns involving affected households.

Ouano emphasized that he was not claiming credit for projects that began before his administration but highlighted his responsibility to ensure their completion.

He said the goal was gradual improvement, pointing out that if floodwaters that once reached neck-deep are now reduced to knee-deep and roads remain passable, then that already counts as progress.

He reminded residents that flooding cannot be eliminated overnight and cautioned against expecting quick fixes, stressing that it would be misleading to promise total eradication of the problem only for floods to continue.

Meanwhile, due to heavy rains on Friday, a least 1,246 residents were evacuated from flood-hit barangays and sheltered in Maguikay National High School, Tabok National High School, and Umapad Elementary School, according to the City Public Affairs Office.

The City Health Office and City Social Welfare Services deployed teams to provide medical care and aid to affected families.(Kaiser Jan Fuentes)