The devastating sight of the Mananga River overflowing its banks, sweeping debris and impacting riverside communities, has brought a stark focus to the massive ₱1.9 billion worth of flood control projects reportedly undertaken in the area by contractor QM Builders. The image of the raging, debris-choked river serves as a potent and visual question mark over the efficacy of one of Cebu’s largest single allocations for flood mitigation.
The Mananga River is a major natural boundary and a critical drainage artery for Talisay City, and its proximity to densely populated areas makes effective flood control an urgent priority. Data consolidated from various reports indicate that the substantial allocation covers multiple segments of flood control structures, primarily involving the construction of revetment walls and other mitigation facilities along both the left and right sides of the river within Talisay City, spanning areas like Barangays Lagtang and Camp 4.
The projects, awarded to QM Builders (and related entity Quirante Construction Corporation) in numerous packages, represent a significant government investment intended to safeguard lives, properties, and the local economy from the perennial threat of flash floods, a recurring disaster that has historically plagued the city.
However, the recent flooding incident that resulted in the disastrous image raises critical concerns among residents and observers. When a massive flood event occurs, the immediate reaction is to question why such extensive, multi-million-peso infrastructure did not hold back the waters or mitigate the damage as intended.
The flood’s impact necessitates a closer examination: Was the project completed? Was it constructed according to standard specifications? Were there other aggravating factors, such as continued illegal quarrying, encroachment on the river’s easement, or heavy siltation, that overwhelmed even the best-engineered defenses? Or, does the sheer scale of the disaster point to potential issues in project design, costing, or implementation?
This issue is not isolated, as the contractor, QM Builders, has previously been subject to national scrutiny, being one of the top firms that secured a large share of flood control projects across the country. The controversy surrounding the firm’s capitalization and its significant contracts has been a subject of ongoing inquiry.
For the Bisaya people in Talisay City, the photograph is more than just a picture of damage; it is a painful, tangible reminder of the persistent vulnerability to nature’s wrath, despite the billions poured into supposed protection. The community deserves answers and, more importantly, effective and durable solutions to ensure that the Mananga River—a source of life and now, fear—is properly managed to prevent future catastrophes.
