Cebu Devastated by Deadly Floods Amid Infrastructure Questions
Cebu province faced unimaginable tragedy this week as Typhoon Tino triggered massive flooding that claimed over 100 lives, including victims like Titing Juan, while many others remain missing. The disaster struck during what should have been a celebratory time for Governor Pamela Baricuatro, who was marking her birthday when the catastrophe unfolded.
Questions Surround P26.7 Billion Flood Control Projects
Governor Baricuatro has raised serious concerns about why these devastating floods occurred despite substantial infrastructure investments. According to the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, 414 flood control projects worth P26.7 billion were implemented across Cebu province between 2022 and 2025. Yet these massive investments failed to protect communities from Typhoon Tino's impact.
The governor pointedly asked why previous leaders over past decades failed to implement adequate measures and what exactly happened to all the flood control projects intended to prevent such disasters. Her questions highlight growing public concern about the effectiveness of these substantial public works expenditures.
Official Investigation Launched Into Infrastructure
In response to the tragedy, Governor Baricuatro has taken decisive action by engaging the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the flood control projects. The investigation will examine whether substandard work or ghost projects contributed to the disaster's severity.
The governor is also pushing for the case to be brought before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), ensuring thorough scrutiny of all projects involved. This move represents a significant step toward accountability for the failed flood prevention systems.
Call for Sustainable Solutions Beyond Concrete
Beyond the immediate investigation, officials and environmental advocates are emphasizing the need for comprehensive, sustainable solutions. The severe flooding that inundated various parts of Cebu in the early hours of Tuesday revealed fundamental weaknesses in current approaches to disaster prevention.
Environmental restoration emerges as a critical priority, with studies showing that Cebu now has only one percent forest cover remaining. Reforestation of denuded mountains could significantly improve water absorption and reduce flood risks.
Additional proposed measures include:
- Constructing check dams along rivers to control water flow velocity
- Installing gabions and mini-dams to slow water movement
- Building water impounding ponds to capture excess rainfall
- Implementing comprehensive watershed management programs
These nature-based solutions could complement traditional infrastructure and provide more resilient protection for communities living in low-lying areas vulnerable to powerful flood currents.
