President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday returned to the Mananga River in Barangay San Isidro to inspect ongoing rehabilitation and flood control works, reaffirming the government’s plan to redesign flood-prone areas and pursue a long-term dam project to reduce flooding in southern Cebu.
The inspection forms part of the administration’s Oplan Kontra Baha program, which continues to address heavily affected communities along the river corridor that suffered repeated flooding in recent years, including damage linked to Typhoon Tino in November 2025 that displaced thousands and left at least 150 people dead.
Marcos was joined during the visit by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr., and DPWH Central Visayas Director Engr. Simon Arias.
He recalled earlier visits to the area during a flooding incident, noting how long floodwaters remained before receding.
“Binalikan natin, kung maalala ninyo, pinuntahan natin ito noong bagon dumaan ‘yung baha. At tiningnan natin, nakita natin na napakataas ng tubig at napakatagal bago nung – ‘yung umapaw na tubig eh napakatagal bago nawala,” Marcos said.
Since then, government engineers have modified flood control structures and installed drainage systems to improve water flow and prevent floodwaters from becoming trapped after heavy rainfall.
Authorities also continue the relocation of families living in designated no-build zones along the river, coordinated with local government units due to safety risks in flood-prone areas.
During the inspection, Marcos noted visible improvements along sections of the river but said rehabilitation efforts remain ongoing as agencies continue upgrading flood mitigation systems.
“We will still continue to repair and redesign the flood control here,” he said.
He also announced plans for a major dam upstream of the Mananga River, describing it as a long-term measure to intercept floodwaters before they reach downstream communities.
“Mayroon na tayong plano para maglagay ng dam sa taas. Dito sa Mananga River, it’s a 70 – 70-meter dam,” he said.
Marcos confirmed that funding for the proposed dam has been included in the 2027 National Expenditure Program and said the administration will work to preserve the allocation throughout the budget process.
“At ito ay nasa NEP na para sa budget for next year, for 2027,” he said.
“Naka-budget na at titiyakin natin na hindi magagalaw ‘yung budget na ‘yun pagdaan sa budget process,” he added.
The President said the upstream dam would complement ongoing flood control and river rehabilitation projects aimed at reducing the impact of severe weather events across Cebu’s river systems.
“May plano tayo para sa next year para doon na natin haharangin sa taas ‘yung tubig para hindi na natin masyadong problemahin dito sa baba,” he said.
Government engineers have been repairing revetment walls, strengthening riverbanks, and improving drainage systems along affected portions of the Mananga River to reduce erosion and improve water flow capacity.
The rehabilitation covers barangays including San Isidro, Lawaan II, Mohon, Dumlog, and Biasong—areas heavily affected by past flooding and infrastructure damage.
The Department of Public Works and Highways also presented an earlier P4-billion funding package for major flood control and river rehabilitation projects across Cebu, including works along the Mananga River in Talisay City, Butuanon River in Mandaue City, and Cotcot River in Liloan.
Marcos previously inspected the river on March 25, when officials assessed damaged embankments and silted portions following severe flooding.
Comments