The Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas (DPWH-7) has begun refining its proposed dam development program in Cebu as it moves to secure possible inclusion in the 2027 national budget, with consultations now underway with local officials, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.
The initiative, which was earlier presented as a long-term solution to both flooding and water supply challenges in Metro Cebu, gained renewed attention following severe flooding brought by Typhoon Tino, which exposed the vulnerability of several communities and river systems.
DPWH-7 Assistant Regional Director Nonato Paylado said the recent consultations were aimed at strengthening the proposal and completing technical requirements needed for submission to the Regional Development Council (RDC).
“It was very fruitful,” Paylado said, referring to the initial rounds of discussions with stakeholders.
He said the agency is coordinating with the University of San Carlos for technical assistance, particularly in preparing the Terms of Reference (TOR) and project profiles required for evaluation and endorsement.
“They’re giving inputs that will improve further our dam proposals,” he said.
Paylado said the initial submission to the RDC lacked sufficient technical detail, prompting further refinement and additional consultations.
“Initially among na submit didto medyo hilaw pa maong need e refine,” he said.
He added that the TOR will outline the scope of work, engineering components, and other essential project details needed for proper assessment.
“Major requirements needed is Terms of Reference, Project Profile. All those details will be put in there aron atong mga stakeholders will be able to know the dams,” Paylado said.
Once completed and endorsed by the RDC, the proposal may be considered for inclusion in the 2027 national budget.
“Kung pananglitan man gani maka comply mi eventually the RDC will endorse our projects and that will be a major step nga hatagan mig pondo,” he added.
DPWH-7 said it aims to finalize and resubmit the refined documents within two weeks as part of efforts to fast-track planning after the impact of Typhoon Tino.
“We need to jumpstart aron ig 2027 makatabang aron di na mahitabo pag Bagyong Tino,” Paylado said.
The dam proposal was earlier introduced by DPWH-7 Regional Director Simon Arias as a long-term solution to recurring flooding and water shortages in Metro Cebu.
Under the plan, multiple dam structures would be built across major river systems to help control floodwaters during heavy rainfall while storing water for domestic use, irrigation, and other needs.
The project is also envisioned to support hydropower generation, groundwater recharge, freshwater fisheries, forest rehabilitation, and potential tourism development in reservoir areas.
River systems identified for possible inclusion include the Mananga River in Talisay City, Bulacao River, Guadalupe River, Kinalumsan River, and Lusaran River in Cebu City, Butuanon River in Mandaue City, Cansaga River in Consolacion and Mandaue, Cotcot River in Compostela and Liloan, and Danao River in Danao City.
Each river system project is initially estimated at around P1 billion, with implementation expected to proceed in phases depending on feasibility studies and government approvals.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has earlier expressed support for the proposal, highlighting the need for reservoirs that can store rainwater during wet seasons for use during dry periods.
“How I wish we have dams, naa tay reservoir of water so dako untag matabang karon,” Baricuatro said in an earlier statement.
Paylado said the agency acknowledges the complexity of the project, noting that it would be the first dam initiative in Cebu directly handled by DPWH-7.
“This will be the first dam in Cebu nga ang DPWH ang mag handle. Dili pa mi hanas, nangapa pa mi maong we need help and assistance from different sectors,” he said.
Despite this, officials said the urgency of addressing worsening floods, particularly those experienced during Typhoon Tino, has strengthened the push for long-term infrastructure solutions.
“We have come to this point nahitabo ang Bagyong Tino, we are now awaken nga grabi man diay ning bahaa. Something has to be done that’s why we’re going back to the need of a dam structure,” Paylado added. (SBA)
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province
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