Clearing operations in Mandaue City have made significant progress following recent flooding, with major thoroughfares now cleared and attention shifting to interior areas affected by the disaster, according to City Administrator Gonzalo "Sally" Malig-on.
Initial Response and Team Deployment
During the first two days of operations, the city deployed only two clearing teams from the City Engineering Office and Department of General Services (DGS). However, the effort expanded significantly when two private groups volunteered their resources, bringing the total number of working teams to four.
The combined teams have successfully completed cleanup operations along major roadways and are now concentrating their efforts on interior locations that were impacted by the flooding. The transition to these areas presents new challenges, particularly the narrow streets and properties with fences that prevent heavy equipment from accessing affected zones.
Addressing Resident Concerns and Accessibility
Malig-on confirmed that the city received complaints from residents in Barangay Umapad and Paknaan, which prompted Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano to personally visit these areas. "Mayor Ouano went to Umapad after residents raised concerns. We made sure to prioritize accessibility, especially along UN Avenue and A.C. Cortes Avenue going to Uratex, which we were able to clear in just two days," Malig-on explained.
The city administrator acknowledged that the initial cleanup along UN Avenue focused on making the road passable, resulting in some debris remaining along the roadside. This strategic decision allowed for quicker restoration of vital transportation routes while planning for subsequent cleanup phases.
Equipment Challenges and Ongoing Efforts
Malig-on also detailed equipment challenges faced during the operations. A long-reach backhoe was initially deployed at Tingub bridge to remove river debris but was later withdrawn because it could not reach deeper sections of the river. This equipment will be relocated to Canduman Bridge to continue cleanup operations there.
Meanwhile, the city continues to implement its cash-for-work program, designed to help residents recover from disaster damage while contributing to cleanup efforts. The city administrator expressed gratitude toward the private groups that joined the cleanup campaign, noting that their payloaders and dump trucks provided substantial assistance in accelerating the city's response to the flooding emergency.
