P85 million earmarked for damaged Mandaue road

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City government has proposed P85 million for road and drainage improvement projects along Potenciano Larrazabal Avenue near Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) to address long-standing concerns about its damaged pavements.

Under the proposed 2027 budget, ?40 million is earmarked for road construction at Planned Unit Development (PUD) 1 fronting CDU, while another ?45 million is allocated for road and drainage construction at PUD 1 near Adnama.

City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. said the projects had already been planned before complaints on the road’s deteriorating condition gained attention on social media.

“Wala pa na nigawas sa social media; gi-include na na dinhang dapita sa projects nga i-implement sa city for next year,” Malig-on said in an interview on Friday, October 9.

He explained that the projects were not included in the current year’s budget because Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano assumed office when the previous administration’s budget preparation was already in its final stage.

“Nganong for next year? Because pag-assume sa bag-ong administration ni Mayor Jonkie last year, final stage na baya to sa budget process. We don’t have the chance to take on the details,” Malig-on said.

With the preparation of the 2027 budget, the current administration had the opportunity to identify and include its priority projects, he added.

“Naa na na siya for next year,” he said.

While the major improvements are being lined up for next year, Malig-on said Ouano had instructed the City Engineering Office to undertake immediate repairs on damaged portions of the road, starting Friday and continuing over the next few days.

The temporary repairs will focus on pothole-ridden sections rather than the entire stretch, which would require a substantially larger allocation.

“Dili the whole road kay dako man na, millions man. Naa lay buhaton, abunuhan and butangan gamay og cemento,” Malig-on said, describing the work as an immediate measure while the city prepares for the larger projects.

The proposed allocations are included in the city’s 2027 Annual Investment Program under the 20% Development Fund. The City Engineering Office will implement the projects.

Malig-on acknowledged that the road problems had persisted for a long time.

 “Anyway, humana man to. Ang present administration is doing its part even if bag-o lang siya,” he said.

On Friday, October 9, 2026, motorists traversing the affected stretch encountered potholes that forced private vehicles, public utility vehicles, and motorcycles to slow down and maneuver around damaged portions of the road.

Driving conditions become more challenging during rainy weather, when water fills the potholes and makes it difficult for motorists to determine their depth.

Ryan Neil Maldo, 29, a motorcycle rider interviewed along the road, said the potholes posed a safety risk, particularly during rainy days.

“Libaong gyud siya. Di angay kumpiyansaan, labi na karong uwan-uwan,” Maldo said.

He said he had to maneuver around the potholes whenever he passed through the area, especially when rainwater obscured their depth.

“Medyo hasol gyud ni, labi na og ma-traffic kay ang mga sakyanan di man ka-deretso,” he said.

Maldo added that properly rehabilitating the road would provide relief to motorists who regularly use the route. (CEBU NEWS)