CEBU CITY, Philippines — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has criticized Cebu’s flood-mitigation infrastructure as “inadequate” following the deadly floods triggered by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), vowing accountability and corrective action.
“Dapat may managot…We have to start building the right projects. This should have been done decades ago,” Dizon told reporters, stressing the need for proper flood-control measures.
Cebu is among the provinces with the highest number of flood-control projects in the country, with over ₱26 billion already spent. Yet, many structures failed to protect low-lying communities when Tino dumped more than a month’s worth of rainfall in just a few hours.
Dizon explained that critical components such as upstream catchment systems and dams were never constructed, which allowed rivers to overflow violently. He identified the Butuanon and Lahug river systems as priority zones for fast-tracked water-control projects.
“The most important flood control was never done,” he said. “For downstream communities along major river systems, the key solution is upstream. We should have built dams. That was not done.”
As of November 6, at least 100 people have been confirmed dead in Cebu, with dozens more reported missing.
The national government will launch a probe into why major flood-control plans were not implemented and whether public funds were misused. The review will involve the DPWH internal audit team and the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) to verify if approved projects were carried out properly.
“There are definite questions that need answers,” Dizon said. “What’s important to the President is to make sure this never happens again.”
While the investigation is underway, Dizon assured residents that emergency response and long-term rehabilitation are ongoing. Immediate priorities include clearing roads, restoring access to towns, and unclogging drainage systems to prevent further flooding.
“The President is giving this priority,” Dizon said. “We will help rebuild as fast as possible.”
