Mandaue City's flood control infrastructure along the Butuanon River was overwhelmed by recent severe flooding, revealing a critical vulnerability to extreme weather events. City Administrator Gonzalo "Sally" Malig-on publicly acknowledged that the system was designed only for normal rainfall conditions, not for the unprecedented volume that struck the city.
System Overwhelmed by Unprecedented Rainfall
During a press briefing at City Hall on November 12, 2025, Malig-on explained the dramatic circumstances that led to the flooding. The flood control in Butuanon River can serve during normal rainfall, but not for that kind of phenomenon where one month's rainfall fell within six hours, he stated. He emphasized that no existing system could have managed such an extreme downpour, which naturally caused the river to overflow its banks.
While some sections of the flood control project remain incomplete, the city administration is actively collaborating with the national government to address the needs of upland barangays. This partnership focuses on constructing dams and catchment basins in mountainous areas, which would help slow down and collect rainwater before it reaches urban centers.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Challenges
Malig-on clarified that Cebu City actually experienced heavier rainfall than Mandaue during the storm, which contributed to the rapid rise of water levels in the Butuanon River. Despite these challenges, he praised the city's preemptive evacuation efforts, which resulted in remarkably few casualties.
The city government, under Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano, maintains public safety and disaster preparedness as top priorities. In response to the emergency, the city is now procuring a more robust Early Warning System as insisted by Mayor Ouano during disaster briefings. We have very little time to react during heavy rain. That's why the mayor insisted that we need a better early warning system. It is already in the procurement process, Malig-on confirmed.
Long-term Solutions and Infrastructure Improvements
Beyond immediate warnings, the city is working on multiple fronts to address flooding risks. Desilitation projects along the Butuanon River are underway because sediment accumulation has reduced the water flow capacity in several areas. The unfinished portions of the flood control project remain the national government's responsibility, and their completion would significantly reduce future flooding.
Malig-on identified another urgent challenge: houses built along the riverbanks that worsen flooding and complicate relocation efforts. The city administration has already conducted two meetings with Mayor Ouano, barangay captains, and engineers to discuss enforcing the no-build zone policy and identify potential relocation sites for affected residents.
