The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will lead a multi-agency effort to implement a long-standing flood control masterplan in Cebu, following the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), which claimed at least 232 lives — 150 of them in Cebu.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced that the agency will work closely with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to carry out the plan, originally crafted under previous administrations.
“There’s no need to plan or study — the masterplan already exists,” Dizon said. “We just need to implement it properly.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate and correct execution of the flood mitigation program to prevent future disasters. Dizon said he was directed to consult former DPWH Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson, who helped develop the original plan.
“Sec. Babes told us: ‘The plans are there. They just need to be implemented — and implemented correctly,’” Dizon added.
The heads of DPWH, NIA, and DENR met Tuesday at the DPWH main office in Manila to discuss coordination and next steps.
The Cebu flood control masterplan is expected to guide infrastructure upgrades and preventive measures across the province, which was among the hardest hit by Typhoon Tino last week.
📸 Screengrab from DPWH video: Secretary Vince Dizon during the Nov. 11 meeting
