The Municipal Council of Argao in Cebu has taken a decisive step by summoning officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2nd Engineering District and the contractors of four ongoing flood control projects. They are required to appear before the council on November 25, 2025.
Inspection Reveals Critical Issues
This action was prompted by fears of a repeat of the deadly flooding caused by Typhoon Tino in other parts of Cebu. Argao Vice Mayor Orvi Ortega announced the move in a Facebook post on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. He stated the goal is to clarify serious concerns regarding the projects' implementation, quality, and their contract costs.
Following an ocular inspection conducted by Ortega and several council members, multiple problems were identified. The inspection revealed that the projects are far from complete. A critical finding was that the flood-control project between Barangays Talaytay and Canbanua did not follow the river's original and natural course. Furthermore, the contract amounts were flagged for being unusually high and nearly identical across the four separate projects.
Projects Under Scrutiny and Public Call
The four flood control projects under review are located in Barangays Langtad, Sumaguan, Lengigon, and Mompeller in Argao. Each project carries a contract cost ranging from P94 million to P96 million. The contractors involved are UY Condev Corporation, QM Builders, and Quirante Construction Corporation, with completion dates scheduled between late 2025 and early 2026.
Vice Mayor Ortega expressed that the inspection raised more questions than answers, especially in the wake of Typhoon Tino's devastation in other Cebu towns and cities. He emphasized that the tragic flooding has put the effectiveness of these projects under a microscope. Ortega is urging all Argaowanons to attend the regular session on November 25 at 2 p.m. or to watch the proceedings online, reinforcing that "Safety is everybody's concern."
