Mandaue City's Strategic Approach to Post-Typhoon Recovery
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano has outlined the city's systematic approach to cleaning up after recent typhoon damage, emphasizing that major roads must be cleared first before crews can move into interior barangay areas. The cleanup operations, which began in mid-November 2025, have followed a logical progression to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
Priority Given to Major Transportation Routes
In his public statements made on November 19, 2025, Mayor Ouano explained that ensuring major roads were passable represented the city's immediate post-typhoon priority. "Our first action after the typhoon was to ensure our major roads were cleaned," the mayor stated, acknowledging that these areas couldn't be cleared in a single day due to ongoing debris accumulation from interior areas.
The mayor specifically mentioned UN Avenue as one location where continuous dumping by residents from interior areas has complicated cleanup efforts. To accelerate the process, the city government acquired two additional equipment units and hired private contractors to focus specifically on UN Avenue and other key sections.
Progress and Challenges in Interior Areas
After approximately one week of intensive operations, Mayor Ouano reported that conditions had improved in several areas, including Barangay Casuntingan and the vicinity of Tingub bridge. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has provided crucial assistance in cleaning interior portions of barangays such as Alang-alang, Umapad, and Opao.
However, significant challenges remain in areas inaccessible to large equipment. The mayor addressed concerns from Opao residents, including his own neighbors, who questioned why their area wasn't prioritized. "We really need to prioritize major roads first before moving to interior portions," Ouano emphasized, explaining the strategic necessity of this approach.
Water Shortage Complicates Recovery Efforts
Another pressing issue involves resident requests for street flushing services, which the city cannot currently provide due to severe water supply shortages. Mayor Ouano appealed for public understanding, noting that many families lack water for basic needs like bathing and toilet use.
"I ask for their understanding. We cannot provide flushing inside homes or tight areas because many families still don't have water for bathing or using their comfort rooms," the mayor explained. "If they see us using water for flushing streets, they might get angry."
Ouano stressed that setting proper priorities remains essential during the recovery period, with addressing the most critical needs taking precedence over less urgent services until the water supply situation improves.
