A long-term flood control plan for Metro Cebu advanced this week after the Provincial Development Council (PDC) endorsed a proposed P5-billion dam program aimed at addressing worsening flood risks across key river systems.
The endorsement covers five dam projects proposed by the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas (DPWH-7), which are now included in the agency’s priority programs, activities, and projects for 2027.
The projects form part of Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s infrastructure agenda, which groups major flood control and transport initiatives under a “Big Ticket Projects” program that also includes bypass roads and flyovers to ease congestion in Metro Cebu.
The proposed dams will be built along the Mananga River in Talisay City, Cotcot River in Liloan, Butuanon River covering Cebu City and Mandaue City, Cansaga River in Consolacion, and Danao River in Danao City.
Each structure carries an estimated cost of P1 billion and will include feasibility studies, detailed engineering design, and construction phases.
The PDC approved the proposal during a virtual full council meeting on May 3, led by Baricuatro and attended by local chief executives, provincial officials, and national government representatives.
DPWH-7 officials said the projects respond to the urgent need for flood mitigation in Cebu, especially following severe flooding incidents during past typhoons.
Assistant Regional Director Nonato Paylado said the initiative aligns with earlier directives from national leadership.
“During the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the launching of ‘Oplan Kontra Baha,’ he already made a statement that dams will be pursued in Cebu to address the flooding problems that we have encountered, especially during the height of Typhoon Tino,” Paylado said.
Aside from flood control, DPWH-7 said the dam system is also designed to support water storage, irrigation, and potential hydropower generation.
“Flood control structures serve four in one,” DPWH-7 Regional Director Simon Arias said earlier, describing the projects as long-term solutions to recurring flash floods.
The agency has identified multiple river systems across Cebu for a broader dam network, including Bulacao, Guadalupe, Butuanon, Lusaran, Cotcot, Mananga, and Danao.
Baricuatro earlier stressed the importance of building water reservoirs in the province, particularly amid recurring dry spells and rising water demand.
“How I wish we have dams, naa tay reservoir of water so dako untag matabang karon,” she said.
The DPWH-7 has also endorsed 126 infrastructure projects for Cebu Province worth P23.2 billion for 2027. These proposals will undergo further review at the Regional Development Council before possible inclusion in the national budget pipeline.(SBA)
Photo courtesy of Cebu City Tour
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