CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — With the rainy season and potential typhoons looming in the coming months, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has called for the immediate acceleration of rehabilitation works along major river systems in Cebu affected by Typhoon Tino.
Dizon made the statement during his inspection of the Mananga River yesterday, wherein he stressed the need to complete crucial flood mitigation interventions such as dredging and desilting before heavy rains return.
“Before the rainy season, before the next big typhoons hit, we have to already have something on the ground,” Dizon told members of the media.
He emphasized that widening and deepening river channels, particularly the Mananga River, Butuanon River, and other waterways, must be fast-tracked to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding in nearby communities.
According to Dizon, flood management in Cebu has become one of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ major priorities following the damage caused by Typhoon Tino.
Dizon stressed the need to implement immediate solutions, noting that authorities have a narrow window of about five to six months before the next rainy season, typically starting in June or July.
He added that his visit aimed to coordinate with key stakeholders, including Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas, Mandaue City Mayor Thadei Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, and other local government units (LGUs), to ensure that interventions are carried out efficiently.
“Now is the time to start fixing the problem,” Dizon said.
Short-term measures pushed
The DPWH chief explained that short-term solutions will focus on visible and immediate flood mitigation works that can be completed within six months.
These include massive dredging and desilting operations, particularly in downstream areas and river mouths where silt buildup restricts water flow.
He cited the mouth of the Mananga River in Barangay Dumlog as one of the priority areas already cleared, saying similar efforts must now be extended upstream under the Oplan Kontra Baha program.
He stressed that river channels have become dangerously narrow due to years of encroachment and sediment buildup.
Major concern: River width
Dizon also pointed out that the original width of the river system must be restored to effectively manage water volume during heavy rains.
He said authorities aim to retrieve up to 30 meters of river width in some areas that were previously occupied by residential houses.
“Now we are down to 15 meters, but this is less than 15 meters,” Dizon said as he gestured toward a narrow stretch of the Mananga River.
He explained that when a river becomes too narrow, water flows faster and with greater force, increasing the risk of destruction downstream.
“Kapag ganyan ka-narrow, ang bilis ng water. That’s why we have to widen it in order for the water to spread,” he said.
The cost of the rehabilitation project is still being estimated.
Upstream dams for long-term solution
While immediate actions are underway, Dizon said long-term flood control measures will involve the construction of dams in upstream mountainous areas.
He admitted, however, that dam projects take time.
“Pero ang problema sa mga dams, matagal yun, we can start planning this year pero ang pagpapagawa noon it will take one to two years,” Dizon said.
He also mentioned the use of gabion dams as a supplementary measure but warned that their effectiveness is limited if river channels remain too narrow.
Enforcing no-build zones
Dizon underscored the need to strictly enforce no-build zones along critical sections of the riverbanks.
“We cannot allow structures to be built again here,” he said.
He stressed that families displaced by Bagyong Tino must not be allowed to return to danger zones.
“Definitely, we cannot allow them to return here because this is really a no-build zone,” Dizon said.
He added that while the government must prevent the reoccupation of hazardous areas, it must also ensure that displaced residents are properly assisted.
Dizon said the national government, through the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), will provide housing for affected families.
However, he said local governments must help identify suitable relocation sites.
He stressed the urgency of the relocation process, noting that many residents remain displaced.
“We have to do that ASAP. Kawawa naman ang mga constituents,” Dizon said.
He expressed hope that land can be secured soon so housing construction can begin before the rainy season.
For his part, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas said affected residents are currently staying in temporary relocation sites and tent cities.
He said the city plans to open another temporary site, possibly in February.
“There’s one in San Roque and another one in Biasong,” Gullas said.
He appealed for assistance, particularly in identifying land for permanent relocation. Gullas added that the city is willing to provide equipment for river-clearing operations.
“Pwede rajud nga kami sa equipment basta moingon lang unta si DPWH unsaon pagkabkab og asa ipangbutang para malimpyo na ni siya diri,” he said.
He said the city can deploy long-range backhoes and even rent additional equipment if needed, as long as DPWH provides direction.
“Kung kinahanglan mi mangabang, mag-abang mi basta hatagan lang mi og direction kung asa itambak,” Gullas added.
The mayor also revealed that the lots currently used as tent cities are being rented by the city government, highlighting the need for permanent relocation areas while also hopes for national government support in identifying and acquiring suitable land for housing projects.
| Written by Jonnavie Villa
