CEBU CITY, Philippines — The deadly floods unleashed by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) have exposed critical gaps in Cebu’s flood-control infrastructure, prompting urgent calls for accountability and corrective action from both the national and local government.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon described the province’s flood-mitigation systems as “inadequate”, despite over ₱26 billion already spent on flood-control projects over the years.
“Dapat may managot…We have to start building the right projects. This should have been done decades ago,” Dizon said, emphasizing the need for upstream dams and catchment systems, which he said were never constructed. Without these critical structures, rivers overflowed violently, causing massive flooding and landslides.
The Butuanon and Lahug river systems were identified as priority areas requiring immediate action. As of November 6, at least 100 people have died in Cebu, with dozens more reported missing.
The national government has announced an investigation into why key flood-control projects were not executed, as well as whether public funds were misused. The review will involve the DPWH internal audit team and the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC).
“There are definite questions that need answers. What’s important to the President is to make sure this never happens again,” Dizon said.
Meanwhile, emergency response and rehabilitation operations are ongoing. Teams are working to clear roads, restore access to affected towns, and unclog drainage systems to prevent further flooding. Dizon assured residents that the government would provide full support for both immediate and long-term recovery efforts.
The Cebu tragedy has reignited debate over public infrastructure accountability, highlighting the consequences of delayed or incomplete projects and raising broader questions about disaster preparedness and government oversight in the Philippines.
Sources
- Department of Public Works and Highways, Secretary Vince Dizon statements, November 2025.
- Government disaster reports on Typhoon Tino in Cebu, November 2025.
- PAGASA weather and flood monitoring bulletins.
