Mandaue pitches P3B projects to RDC

CEBU, Philippines — At least 15 priority projects worth P3 billion for 2027 has been pushed by Mandaue City Government before the Regional Development Council (RDC) during the body’s consultation meeting and technical budget review last Monday.

City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. said the proposal was presented to align the city’s priority projects with the national government’s development agenda. The city delegation was led by Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano.

‎Mayor Ouano and his sister Mandaue Lone District Rep. Emmarie Lollypop” Ouano-Dizon attended the alignment meeting held at the House of Representatives on Monday, February 9.

‎Malig-on said the RDC convened highly urbanized cities, members of Congress, and regional directors of national line agencies in Central Visayas to harmonize proposed projects.

‎According to Malig-on, local government units presented their respective “wishlists” to ensure that projects prioritized by LGUs are also supported by their congressional representatives.

‎"Para dili bitaw makaana nga 'wala mi kahibaw ani' or 'di ni mao among priority'," Malig-on said, adding that the main purpose of the meeting was for all stakeholders to reach a consensus.

‎For Mandaue City, the proposed 15 projects include the completion of the Mandaue City Hospital, one of the flagship commitments of Mayor Ouano’s administration.

‎Other priority projects include unfunded drainage improvements, particularly in Barangay Banilad, as well as drainage and road enhancement projects in the commercial district of the North Reclamation Area (NRA).

‎Malig-on clarified that the proposed P3 billion is still subject to approval. ‎He said national line agencies also presented their own proposals during the meeting.

‎After the RDC consultation, the city’s proposals will undergo further evaluation before being endorsed to the national government and included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP).

‎He said that the NEP represents the executive branch’s proposed budget that will be submitted to Congress for approval.

‎Malig-on said the RDC consultation is part of the process in developing the NEP.

‎“Kay kung dili ni i-push dili ni masod sa gitawag nga president's budget, dili ni ma submit didto sa congress,” he added.

‎Malig-on said the city is hopeful that its proposals will be approved.

‎"Mao ni reason na mu submit ta sa wishlist kay naa man gyud na silay pilian," he added.

‎Among the top priorities is the construction of a detention pond to address persistent drainage and flooding problems, particularly in Barangay Looc.

‎He said Mayor Ouano is strongly pushing for the construction of a detention pond to temporarily hold floodwaters. ‎He explained that flooding worsens in the area during high tide, and the proposed detention pond would help manage excess water while drainage improvements are being implemented.

‎“This has not yet been done in the city, but it is one of the strategies being considered to address flooding,” Malig-on said, adding that the detention pond will complement ongoing drainage improvement initiatives. — (FREEMAN)