P33-B Metro Cebu flood project being revived

Malacañang may reconsider and revive the approved P33-billion Metro Cebu Integrated Flood and Drainage System Master Plan, first adopted in 2017.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro hinted at this possibility on Sunday following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Cebu.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, Baricuatro said the President expressed interest in pursuing the master plan.

She added that the plan offers a comprehensive, science-based solution that could finally put an end to recurring floods from Carcar City in the south to Danao City in the north.

The plan was based on a 2013 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study that proposed a holistic approach to flood control — addressing problems at the upstream source, not just the downstream areas where the damage is most visible.

“Sadly, the supposed P33-billion budget allocation was diverted to other flood control projects when the Marcos administration assumed office,” Baricuatro said, lamenting that the vital blueprint was left on the shelf.

She added that she has formally asked the President to investigate the P26 billion worth of flood control projects in Metro Cebu, which includes works in Talisay, Mandaue and Liloan.

“We hope that urgent action will be taken on the matter. The Cebuanos are seeking justice,” she stressed.