Motorists using Potenciano Larrazabal Avenue near Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU) may have to wait until next year for major road and drainage improvements, with the Mandaue City Government proposing P85 million for projects along the pothole-ridden stretch.
The proposed 2027 budget includes P40 million for road construction fronting CDU and another P45 million for road and drainage works near Adnama, both within Planned Unit Development 1 (PUD 1).
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. said the projects had already been identified for implementation in 2027 before complaints about the road’s deteriorating condition circulated on social media.
“Wala pa na nigawas sa social media, gi-include na na dinhang dapita sa projects nga i-implement sa city for next year,” he said.
Malig-on said the projects were not included in the current year’s budget because preparations were already nearing completion when Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano assumed office.
The new administration was able to identify its priorities and provide for the proposed works while preparing the 2027 budget, Malig-on said on Friday, Oct. 9.
The projects are listed in the city’s 2027 Annual Investment Program and will be funded through the 20% Development Fund. The City Engineering Office will oversee their implementation.
While the major works remain subject to the proposed budget for next year, the city is moving to address immediate hazards caused by the damaged road.
Malig-on said Ouano had directed the City Engineering Office to begin temporary repairs on Oct. 9, with work expected to continue over the following days.
The initial work will focus on potholes and severely damaged sections instead of the entire stretch, which would require substantially more funding.
The temporary repairs aim to improve passability while the city prepares for the larger road and drainage projects.
Malig-on acknowledged that the road’s deteriorating condition had been a long-standing concern. He said questions about why the problem had persisted should also be directed to the previous administration.
He maintained that the current administration was taking steps to address the issue despite having only recently assumed control of the city government.
On Friday, potholes along the affected stretch forced motorists, public utility vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders to slow down and maneuver around damaged sections.
Driving conditions become more difficult during rainy weather, when water collects in potholes and obscures their depth, making it harder for motorists to assess the road’s condition.
Photo by Jacq Hernandez, PBB Photojournalist
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