Archival backs DPWH dam proposal

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has thrown his full support behind a proposal from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 7 to construct a series of dam structures across the city’s major rivers.

The plan, presented by DPWH-7 Director Simon Arias during the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas (RDC-7) Special Full Council online meeting yesterday, was highlighted by Archival as a strategic long-term solution to the region’s water and flood management challenges.

Under the proposal, dams would rise along key waterways including the Bulacao, Guadalupe, Kinalumsan, and Lusaran rivers.

These structures are designed not only for flood control but also to address Metro Cebu’s recurring water shortages, reduce consumer water costs, rehabilitate forests and ecosystems, enhance freshwater fisheries and agriculture, and even serve as potential tourist destinations.

“Kining mga dam dili lang para flood control. Kini makatabang sa pagpamenos sa kusog sa flash floods aron maprotektahan ang atong mga komunidad,  pagsulbad sa nagkadako nga water shortage sa Metro Cebu,  pagpaubos sa gasto sa tubig para sa consumers, pagpasig-uli sa atong forests, vegetation, ug ecosystems, pagpalambo sa freshwater fisheries ug agriculture ug mahimong future tourist destinations usab,” said Archival.

The mayor emphasized that this science-based approach represents the kind of sustainable infrastructure Metro Cebu urgently needs.

“Full support ko ani nga initiative, ug committed ang Cebu City Government sa paghatag sa political will aron mahimo kini nga realidad,” he said.

This latest push builds on the city's earlier plans to develop large-scale water infrastructure.

In recent years, the city government has explored dam construction as part of its long-term strategy to secure water supply and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Archival himself previously underscored the importance of reservoirs and spring water channeling systems, which were being considered for inclusion in the 2027 city budget.

These earlier proposals were made amid concerns over the vulnerability of Metro Cebu’s water resources, particularly in the face of prolonged dry spells and El Niño events.

Archival described the meeting as one of the most important discussions for Metro Cebu’s future, noting that the city government is prepared to mobilize political will to ensure the project’s realization.

With the RDC-7 and DPWH-7 leading the technical planning, and local governments pledging support, the proposed dam network aims to address water security and disaster risk reduction challenges. — (FREEMAN)