Among highest since 2022: 414 flood control projects in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Although Cebu Province is not among the country’s top 10 flood-prone provinces, it has emerged as the second local government unit (LGU) with the most number of flood control projects since 2022.

This prompted Governor Pamela Baricuatro to order a comprehensive status report on all such infrastructure across the province. This was revealed yesterday during the launch of sumbongsapangulo.ph, a citizen feedback platform introduced by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to monitor and report flood control initiatives nationwide.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Cebu has 414 flood control projects since 2022, 15 of which are being done this year.

Bulacan topped the list with 668 projects, followed by Cebu (414), Isabela (341), Pangasinan (313), Pampanga (292), Albay (273), Leyte (262), Tarlac (258), Camarines Sur (252), and Ilocos Norte (224).

The government’s top 10 flood-prone provinces are Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Metro Manila, Cagayan, Isabela, Leyte, and Camarines Sur—areas historically vulnerable to typhoons, overflowing rivers, and poor drainage systems.

Baricuatro, reacting to Cebu’s ranking, said she would welcome an investigation into the matter.

“I welcome a thorough investigation into this matter. I have asked our engineering department to provide a status report of all flood control projects in the province,” Baricuatro told reporters.

Major cebu projects

Cebu’s list of completed projects includes the ?120.6-million Ocaña River Flood Control Structure in Carcar City, finished on March 1, 2025, and multi-million-peso flood control works along the Mananga River in Talisay City.

The Mananga River projects, handled by QM Builders, span both the left and right banks in Barangays Lagtang and Jaclupan; and revetment wall in Barangay Camp 4---- Flood Control (Right Side), Sitio Tigib, Barangay Lagtang (Package 2) – ?144.75M;  Flood Control (Left Side), Sitio Tigib, Barangay Lagtang (Package 3) – ?144.75M;  Flood Control (Left Side), Sitio Tigib, Barangay Lagtang (Package 4) – ?144.75M; Revetment Wall (Left Side), Sitio Bogo, Barangay Camp 4 – ?148.5M; Revetment Wall (Right Side), Sitio Bogo, Barangay Camp 4 – ?148.5M; Revetment Wall (Right Side), Purok Narra, Barangay Jaclupan – ?138.6M.

In northern Cebu, the ?49-million Taytayan Creek Flood Control and Drainage System in Bogo City was completed on February 9, 2025, while the ?57.89-million Jagobiao Creek Phase 3 in Consolacion was completed on February 23, 2025.

Mandaue City also finished the ?72.32-million Butuanon River downstream outfall project in Barangay Paknaan and the ?67.45-million Orel Creek flood control in Barangay Banilad.

Other municipalities benefited from major upstream defenses such as the ?149.84-million Cotcot River flood control project in Liloan, jointly undertaken by MC Geometric Proportions Inc. and Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp.

The smallest project recorded was a ?4.93-million drainage structure in Barangay Sacsac, Consolacion, completed on May 27, 2025, by XLA Construction.

Contractors in Cebu

QM Builders, a major player in Cebu’s flood control efforts, is among the top 15 contractors nationwide with the most flood-mitigation projects. It also undertook works in Dumanjug, Carcar City, and Bogo City, making it the most active contractor in the province.

Other firms involved in Cebu’s projects this year include On Point Construction and Development Corp., ZLREJ Trading and Construction Corp., MC Geometric Proportions, Adamant Development Corp., XLA Construction, Ar Adlawan Construction, and Alpha & Omega General Construction and Development Corp.

The launch of sumbongsapangulo.ph coincided with President Marcos’ directive to audit all flood control projects initiated since July 2022.

In a Malacañang press conference, Marcos disclosed that ?545 billion in public funds had been spent on flood control nationwide in the past three years. Of this, ?100 billion—or 20 percent—went to just 15 contractors.

“That for me was the one that stood out very much,” Marcos said.

“Five of these contractors had projects in almost the entire country. So those are the ones that immediately pop out na sa aking palagay ay kailangan natin tingnan,” he added.

The DPWH listed 2,409 contractors involved in flood control projects nationwide.

While Marcos clarified no accusations have been made, he said the concentration of contracts among a few firms raises questions about transparency and fairness.

“We are not accusing anyone of anything yet. However, it gives us an idea of how this has been conducted,” he said, urging the public to use the platform to monitor projects and report irregularities. — (FREEMAN)