Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday said there is a need to review the implementation of more than 500 flood control projects in Cebu to ensure their effectiveness and the proper use of government funds. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro highlighted that from 2016 to 2022, approximately 343 flood control projects were carried out, with two of them being ‘terminated.’
According to Philippines News Agency, under the Marcos administration, there are around 168 flood mitigation projects, with 55 still ongoing. Castro emphasized that the flood control projects implemented during the Duterte administration should already be operational. “Lumalabas po na 343 flood control projects ang nagawa since 2016 to 2022 sa Cebu (Apparently, 343 flood control projects have been implemented from 2016 to 2022 in Cebu),” Castro stated during a Palace press briefing. She added that it is crucial to review these projects, as they should have been functioning effectively by now.
Castro’s statement came in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi), which caused widespread flooding in Cebu. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro expressed concern that despite PHP26 billion allocated for flood control initiatives, the province continues to experience severe flash floods. Castro mentioned that Malaca±ang welcomes any information or data from Governor Baricuatro regarding the flood control projects. “Kung meron po siyang mga alam, may mga facts, may mga data rin po si governor para dito na makakatulong sa ating gobyerno para mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot, iyan po ay welcome (If she has any information, facts, or data that can help the government hold those accountable, it is welcome),” she said.
Castro further stated the need for collaboration to identify those responsible for any anomalous flood control projects. “So, pagtulung-tulungan po nating mahanap ang dapat mapanagot sa mga ma-anomalyang flood control project (We need to work together to identify who should be held accountable for the anomalous flood control projects).” Additionally, she mentioned that Marcos would visit Cebu to assess the damage caused by Typhoon Tino.
