Mandaue to implement cash-for-work program

CEBU, Philippines — To fast-track the clearing efforts, the Mandaue City government will be engaging residents in selected barangays affected by Typhoon Tino through the implementation of a cash-for-work program.

According to City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on, one of the city’s top priorities is to clear and restore order in affected barangays, especially those whose residents have already returned to their homes.

In line with this, the city has formed a task force specifically for the cleanup efforts and has rented equipment such as payloaders and trucks to carry out simultaneous clearing operations across Mandaue.

Malig-on added that Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, during a meeting last Friday, November 7, discussed the plan to roll out the cash-for-work program in certain barangays to mobilize residents to help in the clearing operations.

“Ang idea ani nga program kay dili lang maghuwat og resources gikan sa City Government. Ma-mobilize dayon ang mga tawo sa barangay aron makatabang,” Malig-on said.

Through the program, residents will be hired to participate in cleanup operations in barangays that were severely flooded or affected by the storm.

The city administrator explained that the program will run for about three to five days and will be implemented through the barangays, with the city providing tools such as shovels and other equipment.

“Mao na nga strategy ang na hunahunaan ganina for clearing to fast-track pa jud,” he added.

While major roads in Mandaue City are now passable, Malig-on said some interior roads, particularly in Barangays Paknaan and Tingub, remain difficult to access due to thick mud.

“Mao nang naka hunahuna ang mayor nga mag limited lang og cash for work on certain barangays,” he said, adding that Mayor Ouano has already met with barangay captains to discuss the initiative.

Malig-on noted that the funding for the program will come from a mix of city funds and assistance from private partners.

“Depende sa mo abot. Anyway, limited raman ni, dili man tanan barangay, kato lang gyud nga kinahanglan limpyohan,” he said.

An international humanitarian organization has also expressed support for the city’s recovery efforts. Representatives from Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines visited Mayor Ouano at his office in Barangay Centro, Mandaue City, on Friday, November 7, to discuss possible collaboration for the “cash-for-work” program to help survivors of Typhoon Tino.

Malig-on said manual cleanup remains the most practical approach in many areas, given the city’s limited equipment.

“Kung maghuwat pa ta nga mahuman ang major roads, mo take pa og days,” he said.

He also noted that Mandaue City’s current challenge is its limited water supply after the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) was unable to provide water due to operational problems.

In lieu of the intermittent water supply, Malig-on said the Mandaue City Government has taken the initiative of tapping at least private companies that committed to extend free deep well water.

Malig-on explained that while the city now has access to water sources, the problem lies in distribution. Barangays with fire trucks and water tankers have been tapped to help deliver water, along with rented units and assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

“Naglibog ta sa priority pero ni decide gyud si Mayor Jonkie nga kana kay tubig man gyud ang kinahanglan,” he said, emphasizing that the limited supply cannot be used for flushing roads as it is needed for residents’ consumption.

“We just have to make priorities for now,” Malig-on added. (CEBU NEWS)