Whether under a rainfall warning or a typhoon signal, Mandaue City residents can now access live updates on rivers and roads through social media.
During Tropical Storm Basyang last week, the Mandaue City Government, through the Public Information Office (PIO) and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO)–Command Center, conducted its first-ever live streaming of real-time conditions along the Butuanon and Mahiga rivers, as well as nearby road sections.
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the initiative will become a standard measure, particularly during heavy rains and typhoons.
“Mao na ni siya atong buhaton,” Ouano said on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, during a visit to the Mandaue City Command Center to personally monitor the situation.
The mayor, accompanied by City Administrator Gonzalo Malig-on Jr., checked roads and rivers as continuous rains persisted since Monday night, February 9, due to the shear line affecting parts of Cebu.
Ouano noted that residents gave positive feedback on the live streaming, which allows them to see real-time conditions in their areas.
He added that the city has early warning devices that send alerts when river water levels reach critical points.
“With the advancement of technology and social media, mas ganahan labi na ang batan-on nga makakita sa live stream kung unsay tinuod nga kahimtang sa ilang lugar,” he said.
The mayor added that the initiative reduces unnecessary inquiries to the CDRRMO, as residents can now monitor the situation themselves.
He also instructed the PIO to conduct live streaming immediately whenever there is a rainfall warning or typhoon, while ensuring continuous monitoring at the command center.
The program marks the first time the city’s PIO and CDRRMO have provided the public with real-time access to road and river updates during adverse weather.
PIO head Ryan Karl Tallo said live broadcasting lets residents and motorists monitor river flow and flooding conditions directly.
“Before, mag-advisory ra gyud mi about traffic and flooding. Karon, as much as possible, live gyud ta aron makita sa mga tawo kung unsang areas ang dili na passable ug ma-align nila ilang plano sa adlaw,” Tallo said.
He added that the measure gives peace of mind to families, particularly those near riverbanks, by keeping them informed of sudden water surges and potential flooding.
Meanwhile, Mandaue Command Center Communications Head Arnold Malig-on said at least seven cameras in key areas across the city are operational, including Barangays Paknaan, Subangdaku, Tipolo, and other sections along the Butuanon and Mahiga rivers.
Based on monitoring, Malig-on said strong currents were observed yesterday, but river levels remained within normal range.
In Barangay Tipolo, knee-deep flooding occurred on Monday evening, February 9, but subsided by around 7 a.m. the next day, preventing light vehicles, including motorcycles, from passing.
He added that floodwaters usually recede within two hours after heavy rainfall. (VCL)
