Mandaue allocates P100 million for Butuanon flood control works

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City government has set aside ?100 million for flood control works along a section of the Butuanon River in Sitio Talong, Barangay Paknaan, as part of efforts to mitigate recurring flooding in the area.

Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the city chose to fund the project on its own, explaining that the Butuanon River is too long to be rehabilitated all at once, prompting the city to prioritize the most critical sections instead.

According to the mayor, the project site in Paknaan was recommended by the City Planning and Development Office.

He explained that assessments will first focus on identifying low-lying portions of the barangay before the river flows into the Mactan Channel, where a flood control structure or dike is being eyed.

“That is the area where, when the water level of the Butuanon River rises, it immediately overflows,” Ouano said, adding that the project will connect to the existing riprap in the area.

Ouano also said the city is reviewing whether the ?100 million allocation will be sufficient to address the problem, noting that floodwaters could still pass through alternative routes.

He acknowledged that concerns may arise from residents, particularly if the project is rolled out in phases, but assured that the city will maintain transparency to allow public monitoring of its implementation.

Ouano further noted that the allocated amount will only cover a small portion of the river, stressing that full rehabilitation of the roughly 11-kilometer Butuanon River would require an estimated ?10 billion to ?11 billion.

“Ang ato lang diha kini lang gyung lowest lying area diha sa Butuanon River sa Zone Talong, ug isumpay ta ni sa existing nga riprap dinhang dapita,” the mayor said.

City Administrator Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. said that while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has its own rehabilitation plans for the river, the city decided to proceed with its own funding due to persistent flooding concerns.

He said the project is expected to be implemented within the year.

“Ang city nalang ang mu take sa cudgel,” Malig-on said.

Moreover, Malig-on said that the city has also allocated ?20 million to ?25 million for desilting efforts as part of its broader flood mitigation measures.

“Dili ra para anang dapita, kundi regular desilting,” said Malig-on.

He said the specific areas to be prioritized for desilting will be determined based on recommendations from the City Engineering Office, considering the limited budget available.

“Aside from additional equipment nga paliton, at least ang city, ang bag-ong administration naay mga new strategies,” Malig-on said.