Davao Residents Demand Flood Control as Top Government Priority
A recent survey conducted by the University of Mindanao-Institute of Popular Opinion (UM-IPO) has uncovered a strong public sentiment in Davao City, with approximately 76 percent of residents advocating for flood control issues to take precedence over other social and political concerns. The online poll, which gathered responses from 1,200 Dabawenyos, highlights deep-seated worries about corruption and misuse of funds in infrastructure projects.
Survey Findings and Public Concerns
Out of the total respondents, 914 individuals identified scandals related to flood control projects as the most critical issue requiring government attention. This overwhelming majority underscores the community's focus on practical, life-saving measures. In contrast, other national topics garnered significantly less support: the impeachment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was noted by 137 respondents, followed by the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte with 68, issues involving former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court with 58, and anomalies revealed by 18 former marines with 23.
Respondents emphasized that their prioritization of flood control stems from alleged corruption and the diversion of public funds. Many called for enhanced accountability and justice, warning that so-called "ghost projects" could pose severe dangers during flash floods, endangering lives and communities. Additional factors influencing this preference include widespread distrust in the government and political system, economic anxieties, and frustration over perceived misaligned national priorities.
Voices from the Community
Jessere Sardido, a resident of Barangay Mintal, articulated a common viewpoint, stressing that flood control should not be overshadowed by other pressing matters like rising oil prices. "Maybe flood control needs to be prioritized because there are areas that really need it, and we should be able to ask where the funds are going," she explained in an interview with SunStar Davao on April 1, 2026.
Julian Sigcaran from Barangay Gumitan echoed this sentiment, advocating for stronger governmental accountability. "We should ask the government for accountability and let them deliver justice because that amount of money is not just thousands but millions," he stated. Sigcaran added that addressing flood control effectively would allow the government to subsequently tackle other concerns.
Awareness and Concern Levels
The survey also assessed public awareness and concern regarding various national issues. An impressive nine out of ten respondents reported being aware of flood control scandals, the impeachment cases against the president and vice president, and issues involving Duterte before the ICC. Eight out of ten were aware of the anomalies involving the former Marines.
In terms of concern, nine out of ten respondents expressed worry about flood control issues. Six out of ten showed concern over issues involving Duterte, the vice president's impeachment, and the anomalies involving the former Marines. Only four out of ten indicated concern about the impeachment of Marcos, reflecting a clear prioritization of local, tangible problems over national political dramas.
Background and Methodology
UM-IPO conducted the survey from March 11 to 22, 2026, utilizing targeted advertisements on social media platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram. Respondents were exclusively Davao City residents aged 18 and above with active email accounts. The survey boasts a 95 percent confidence level and a ±2.83 percent margin of error, ensuring statistical reliability.
This data emerges against a backdrop of recent flooding incidents in the region, including a rescue operation by the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao on November 8, 2023, in areas like Bago Galera and Bago Aplaya, highlighting the ongoing urgency of flood management in Davao.
