Mandaue City launches major Butuanon River rehabilitation

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — A major clean-up and rehabilitation project for the Butuanon River officially commenced on Thursday, June 18, in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City, as part of the national government’s Oplan Kontra-Baha program.

The project covers a four-kilometer stretch of the river and involves cleaning, desilting, and dredging activities aimed at improving water flow and reducing flooding in flood-prone communities.

The launch also included the blessing of at least six pieces of equipment, including excavators and backhoes, that will be used in the river rehabilitation works. The initiative is San Miguel Corporation’s first river clean-up project outside Metro Manila and is being implemented at no cost to the government.

Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano welcomed the project, saying it would significantly boost the city’s ongoing efforts to address flooding along the Butuanon River.

READ: Mandaue enforces 3-meter river easement along Butuanon

Ouano said the river has accumulated large volumes of silt and mud over the years, limiting its capacity to carry water flowing from upland areas in Cebu City before draining into the Mactan Channel.

He noted that while the city has been conducting dredging operations, its efforts have been constrained by limited equipment.

“Our sincere gratitude [SMC]. We’re very fortunate nga anhi nila gisugod sa atoang Siyudad. Dako na kaayo ni nga tabang ang declogging, [and] desilting,” said Ouano.

(Our sincere gratitude to SMC. We’re very fortunate that they chose to start this project in our city. The declogging and desilting activities will be a tremendous help.)

The rehabilitation will start from the mouth of the Butuanon River and extend approximately four kilometers upstream.

READ: Mandaue allots P100M for Butuanon River flood control in Paknaan

Ouano said the project is expected to increase the river’s carrying capacity and improve water movement, particularly during heavy rains and high tide conditions.

He added that residents can expect improvements in flooding conditions once the rehabilitation works are completed.

The Butuanon River rehabilitation is expected to continue until April 2027.

The mayor also said dredged materials will either be placed in designated areas along the riverbanks or transported by barge to disposal sites identified in coordination with the local government to prevent the silt from returning to the waterway.

While welcoming the project, Ouano emphasized that addressing flooding requires cooperation from all sectors, particularly in maintaining proper waste disposal practices.

He noted that a significant portion of the materials removed from waterways consists of garbage, underscoring the need for stronger public compliance with waste management regulations.

For his part, DPWH Undersecretary Charles Caliwa said Oplan Kontra-Baha was established while the government reviews existing flood control projects.

The task force focuses on cleaning rivers, canals, and drainage systems to improve water flow and reduce flooding. He said the program also includes 24/7 flood monitoring and the deployment of quick-response teams during heavy rains and typhoons.

He added that garbage remains one of the main causes of clogged waterways and drainage inlets, stressing that flood mitigation efforts will be more effective if communities practice proper waste disposal and help keep waterways free of waste.

Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, city officials, and DPWH representatives also attended the launch of the river rehabilitation project.

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