The Mandaue City government has set aside P100 million for flood control works along a section of the Butuanon River in Sitio Talong, Barangay Paknaan, as part of efforts to address recurring flooding in the area.
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the city chose to fund the project using local resources, citing the river’s long stretch and the need to prioritize areas most vulnerable to flooding.
According to the mayor, the project site in Paknaan was recommended by the City Planning and Development Office.
Initial assessments will focus on identifying low-lying portions of the barangay near the river’s mouth at the Mactan Channel, where a flood control structure or dike is planned.
“That is the area where, when the water level of the Butuanon River rises, it immediately overflows,” Ouano said, noting that the project will connect to the existing riprap in the area.
The mayor added that the P100-million allocation will cover only a portion of the river.
He noted that rehabilitating the entire 11-kilometer stretch of the Butuanon River would require an estimated P10 billion to P11 billion.
City Administrator Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. said the Department of Public Works and Highways has its own rehabilitation plans, but the city opted to proceed with its own funding due to persistent flooding concerns.
“Ang city nalang ang mu take sa cudgel,” Malig-on said. He added that the project is expected to be implemented within the year.
Malig-on also said the city has allocated an additional P20 million to P25 million for desilting works as part of a broader flood mitigation strategy.
“Dili ra para anang dapita, kundi regular desilting,” he said, adding that the areas to be prioritized will be identified based on recommendations from the City Engineering Office and the available budget.
He noted that the new administration will deploy additional equipment and implement updated strategies to strengthen flood control measures along the Butuanon River.
“Aside from additional equipment nga paliton, at least ang city, ang bag-ong administration naay mga new strategies,” Malig-on said. (VCL)
