Gov. Pam slams past officials for floods

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro has called out previous provincial administrations for their alleged failure to implement lasting flood control measures, saying that the devastation brought by Typhoon Tino could have been prevented if billions worth of flood mitigation projects were properly executed years ago.

In an interview, Baricuatro said the flooding that submerged vast portions of Metro Cebu and nearby towns was “the worst in recent memory,” killing at least 125 people and leaving 63 others missing, based on the latest report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

“I am furious sa nahitabo karon nato dire sa Sugbo. This has to be investigated. Kaning flooding nato, this could have been prevented. How come wala ‘ni nila nahimuan og paagi before?” Baricuatro said.

The governor lamented that, while natural disasters like earthquakes are beyond control, the extent of flooding during Tino’s onslaught was a failure of planning and accountability.

“But kaning flooding nato this could have been prevented, how come wa’ ‘ni nila nahimuan og paagi before. They have been here for years, decades here in Cebu province, ‘nya nganong ingon ini ‘ni, what happened to the flood control projects," she added.

Baricuatro’s statements come as the province reels from what she called “Cebu’s deadliest flooding in years,” caused by the torrential rains of Typhoon Tino that struck the island on November 4.

The governor said she intends to raise the matter directly with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who is expected to visit Cebu in the coming days to inspect the devastation and coordinate national government aid.

 “We will discuss with President Marcos regarding sa ?26 billion (flood control) funds. It’s not enough nga resilient ang mga Cebuanos. Justice has to be also looked into. Nganong nahitabo ‘ni karon? Tagaan ta’g hustisya ang mga Cebuano kon nganong nahitabo ang flash flood diri sa atoang province,” Baricuatro declared.

Data from the Sumbong sa Pangulo platform showed that 414 flood control projects amounting to ?26.7 billion were implemented in Cebu between 2022 and 2025.

Despite these projects, the province recorded massive flooding in towns from Minglanilla to Danao City, submerging communities, destroying homes, and washing away livelihoods. – RAE  (CEBU NEWS)