President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday inspected key infrastructure and flood mitigation projects in Cebu, beginning with rehabilitation works on a damaged section of the Metro Cebu Expressway in Naga City before proceeding to flood control efforts in Talisay City.
Marcos first visited Segment 3A in Barangay Cantao-an, where a landslide in 2024 rendered part of the roadway impassable and disrupted mobility for residents and workers in surrounding industrial areas.
During the inspection, the President recalled the impact of the road closure on commuters and workers in the area.
“Nandito tayo sa isang section ng Metro Cebu Expressway na nasira two years ago ng 2024 at nag-landslide dito. Nasira yung daan,” he said.
He noted that many workers were forced to walk long distances due to the damaged road.
“So finally, pinangako natin na matatapos ito by June. Ito na ngayon tayo para tignan at inspeksyonin,” Marcos added.
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon told the President that the rehabilitated portion is now passable to motorists.
“Actually, madadaanan na po today, Mr. President,” Dizon said.
Marcos, however, said further works are needed to ensure long term stability of the slope.
“Lalagyan ng slope protection ito para hindi na guguho ulit,” he said.
Officials said engineering interventions, including slope reinforcement and road alignment adjustments, have been carried out to reduce risks of another collapse.
The President also underscored the economic impact of the damaged roadway, noting its effect on transport of goods in the area.
“Dahil sa pagka-lubak, yung produkto nila pagdumadaan dito sa daan na ito, nababasag,” he said.
He added that prolonged infrastructure disruptions could affect investor confidence.
“Kaya’t napakasayang naman at nakakahiya sa ating mga investor na hindi natin sila inaalagaan ng mabuti,” Marcos said.
After the expressway inspection, Marcos proceeded to Talisay City to check rehabilitation works along the Mananga River as part of ongoing flood mitigation efforts in Metro Cebu.
He said government has strengthened flood control structures and improved drainage systems to reduce flooding risks during heavy rains.
“Inayos natin yung flood control structures dito,” he said.
The President also reiterated the need to relocate families living in danger zones along riverbanks, citing safety risks during flooding.
He further revealed that government is pursuing plans for a major dam upstream of the Mananga River, which is expected to reach around 70 meters in height and is included in the National Expenditure Program for 2027.
“Titiyakin natin na hindi magagalaw yung budget na yon pagdaan sa budget process,” Marcos said.
Marcos said the expressway rehabilitation and flood mitigation projects are part of broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure resilience and protect communities from disasters.
“We will continue to come, we will continue to build, and we will continue to repair,” he said as he ended his Cebu inspection. (with reports from SBA)
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