Mandaue starts P220 million flood control projects

CEBU, Philippines — At least P220-million worth of flood control projects broke ground in Mandaue City yesterday.

The projects situated along Butuanon River in Barangay Alang-Alang and Tipolo Creek in Barangay Guizo are part of the P1.3 billion worth of flood control projects that Mandaue City Lone District Rep. Emmarie Ouano-Dizon has endorsed to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

In her speech, Dizon said these flood control projects are the fulfillment of her commitment to Mandauehanons.

“Today is a big day of the City of Mandaue kay sugdan na ang duha ka flood control projects nga makatabang gyud pagsulbad sa baha sa Mandaue. We want to save lives and properties mao ni atoa gyud ning gipangkanimutan nga mapondohan ang maong proyekto,” said Dizon.

Mandaue was placed under a state of calamity in September 2022 following a massive flooding that affected 11 of its 27 barangays. Dizon said the city needs P5 billion to solve the flooding problem and vowed to try her best to get additional funding from the national government by 2024.

“Tanan proyekto nako sa flood control is coordinated with the Master Drainage Plan of the city,” Dizon said.

DPWH-7 regional director Ernesto Gregorio Jr. said the project along Tipolo Creek is a significant step towards protecting the lives and properties of the people residing in the areas surrounding Tipolo River.

Gregorio said the improvement of Tipolo River is just part of a much bigger undertaking to mitigate the recurring flood that affects the entire city due to the overflowing of the river during rainy season.

“During heavy downpours, flood depths have reached to such heights that key roads were submerged, not to mention the heartbreaking destruction wrought on homes, properties, and businesses. However, today, we embark on a journey that will bring hope and relief to these flood-prone areas. It is a journey that brings the promise of resilience for the community and overall economic development for the people to benefit from. This journey wouldn't have been possible if not for the excellent work of the passionate and indefatigable people behind this project,” Gregorio said.

He expressed his gratitude to Dizon for making the projects possible.

“It is through her efforts and the funds she graciously allocated that we are able to take action today. Representative Ouano-Dizon's love and concern for the people of Mandaue City shine through in her tireless pursuit of initiatives that will bring about positive change,” Gregorio added.

Dizon said that P180 million was allocated for the 525.8-meter structure along Tipolo Creek while P40 million for the 188-meter flood control structure along Butuanon River.

The congresswoman added that soon to be constructed are flood control projects in Barangay Basak worth P250 million; P60 million for Jagobiao; Maguikay, P220 million; Tabok, P200 million; and other flood control structures in different areas along Butuanon river worth P380 million. —/FPL (FREEMAN)