President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected the Mananga River Flood Mitigation Structure in Talisay City, Cebu, on Monday, June 22, 2026, and pledged to include a 70-meter dam project in the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to address the recurring flood problems in Cebu.
Joining Marcos were DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas, and DPWH Region 7 Director Engr. Simon Arias. The proposed dam will cover barangays San Isidro, Lawaan II, Mohon, Dumlog, and Biasong in Talisay City.
Funding Secured in National Budget
Marcos assured that funding for the dam would be protected during the upcoming national budget deliberations. “We have a plan to place a dam upstream here on the Mananga River. It is a 70-meter dam. We will include it in the NEP for 2027, already budgeted. We will ensure that the budget remains untouched during the budget process. There we will block the water upstream,” Marcos said.
The president emphasized that the dam is part of a broader, sustainable engineering strategy to mitigate flooding in Cebu. The approach includes widening waterways and constructing impounding systems across three major river systems: Mananga, Cotcot, and Butuanon.
Long-Term Flood Mitigation Strategy
The Mananga River Dam is a key component of a comprehensive flood control plan for Cebu province, which has suffered from repeated inundation during heavy rains. The project aims to reduce flood risks in densely populated areas downstream, including Talisay City and nearby communities.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon noted that the department is prioritizing structural solutions to complement non-structural measures such as early warning systems and community preparedness. The 70-meter dam will be designed to impound excess rainwater, releasing it gradually to prevent sudden surges.
Local Government Support
Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Mayor Samsam Gullas expressed support for the project, highlighting its importance for the safety and economic stability of Cebu. The local governments are coordinating with DPWH to ensure timely implementation and minimal disruption to residents.
The inclusion of the dam in the 2027 NEP marks a significant step forward, but full construction and completion may take several years. Meanwhile, DPWH Region 7 Director Engr. Simon Arias assured that interim measures, such as river dredging and channel improvements, are ongoing to provide immediate relief.
