Mandaue Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano delivered his first State of the City Address (SOCA) on Friday, Aug. 28, acknowledging that Mandaue’s long-standing flooding problem will take time to solve while outlining projects aimed at improving the city’s resilience, basic services and investment climate.
Ouano said the city is implementing projects under its drainage master plan and pursuing national government funding for major flood-control infrastructure.
He cautioned residents against expecting an immediate solution to a problem that has developed over decades.
“Anyone who tells you that a problem this complex can be solved in a few months is not being fair to you. Do not want to sugar coat. Ang tinuod atong atubangon,” he said.
Among the major projects is the Subangdaku cut-off channel, which secured funding under the 2027 national budget.
The city has also negotiated with affected property owners and signed a usufruct agreement in March to facilitate the project.
The Department of Public Works and Highways is widening Mahiga Bridge, while the city is planning additional drainage improvements along A.C. Cortes Avenue.
National government support has also been secured for a detention pond that will temporarily store excess floodwater before releasing it into the Mactan Channel.
While larger projects are being pursued, Ouano said the city is also strengthening its immediate response to flooding.
Mandaue expects two suction trucks within one to two weeks and two vacuum trucks within a month.
The city has also ordered five additional submersible pumps and two mobile pumps.
Ouano said the flood-control program is part of a wider effort to make Mandaue more resilient and capable of supporting business and investment.
“We are not only addressing flooding. We are also building a city where people can access better services and where businesses can continue to grow,” he said.
The city is modernizing Mandaue City Hospital and developing a permanent campus for Mandaue City College, alongside additional classrooms and laboratories.
Mandaue has secured P650 million in national funding for a 10-story classroom building with laboratories at Paknaan National High School.
Classroom construction is also ongoing at Basak and Opao elementary schools.
Ouano also reported that Mandaue City College has regained its UniFAST status, allowing qualified students to receive free tuition through national government funding.
He said this will reduce the city’s annual subsidy for the college by about P40 million.
Waste management is another priority. The city is pursuing a direct waste-disposal system following a court-approved compromise agreement with Asian Energy.
Ouano said eliminating the third-party provider and transfer station could save the city about P170 million annually, allowing the savings to be redirected to health, education and other services.
The city is also purchasing three dump trucks and two compactor trucks to improve garbage collection.
The administration is also planning improvements to Pajara Park and the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex, as well as additional recreational facilities, streetscape enhancements and streetlights.
Ouano said the city plans to expand free transportation services, raise annual financial assistance for senior citizens from P10,000 to P12,000 and establish a city-managed mental health hotline.
The Mandaue Sports Oval remains part of the city’s long-term plans, but Ouano said limited resources require the administration to prioritize health, education and other essential services.
He said the city’s development plans are intended to address immediate needs while laying the groundwork for Mandaue’s continued growth.
Photo by Kaiser Jan Fuentes
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