DPWH eyes 7 dams to deal with Cebu water woes

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu’s worsening cycle of floods and water shortages has prompted government planners to push for a long-term solution that could redefine how the province manages its most critical resource --and that is water.

Seven reservoir dams are being proposed by the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas (DPWH-7) as part of a plan to establish a network of dams across key river systems in Cebu.

Equally, seven river systems have been identified as part of the proposed network, each seen as vital to strengthening Cebu’s water management capacity.

Among the identified sites are the Mananga River, Bulacao River, Guadalupe, Butuanon River, Lusaran, Cotcot in Liloan, as well as locations in Danao City.

DPWH-7 regional director Engr. Simon Arias said the initiative was conceptualized internally as recurring flash floods continue to threaten communities, particularly during intense rainfall.

“The series of dams as a long-term solution sa flooding is actually proposed by us, by DPWH,” Arias said in an interview.

He noted that the structures are designed to regulate water flow and prevent the sudden surges that typically lead to destructive flash floods.

“Para hindi na mag-flashflood. It's a long-term solution to flooding,” he added.

Arias highlighted that the dams are envisioned to serve multiple functions critical to Cebu’s long-term development.

These include providing a stable source of domestic water supply, supporting irrigation for agriculture, and generating hydropower.

“Flood-control structures serve four in one,” Arias said, referring to the project’s integrated design.

The project is currently undergoing feasibility studies, which will determine the technical and environmental viability of each site.

Arias expressed hope that construction could begin by 2027, subject to approval from national agencies, particularly the Department of Budget and Management.

“If the president will give our Department of Budget and Management to start in 2027, that's my proposal,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that timelines may shift depending on further reviews and funding considerations.

Initial funding is pegged at ?1 billion per river system, with the overall project expected to be implemented in phases over a period of up to 10 years.

Arias emphasized the urgency of moving the project forward, citing the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and their impact on communities.

At the Capitol, Governor Pamela Baricuatro echoed the need for water storage infrastructure, particularly as Cebu faces the dual challenge of drought and rising demand.

She pointed out that the lack of dams has long limited the province’s ability to store water during periods of abundance for use during dry spells.

“How I wish we have dams, naa ‘tay reservoir of water so dako untag matabang karon,” she said in an earlier statement.

Baricuatro confirmed that the proposed dam projects have already secured approval from the Regional Development Council and are now in the process of securing funding and completing feasibility studies.

She added that implementation is expected to proceed immediately once these preparatory phases are completed. (CEBU NEWS)