Why Marcos is in Cebu on Monday: Roads, flood control, hunger programs

CEBU CITY, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. returned to Cebu on Monday for a series of inspections and program visits.

Marcos visited three sites in Cebu — the Metro Cebu Expressway Segment 3A project in the City of Naga, the rehabilitation works along the Mananga River in Talisay City, and the launch of a Walang Gutom Kitchen in Cebu City.

The engagement is part of the administration’s continuing push to improve regional connectivity, strengthen flood protection measures, and expand social welfare services for vulnerable sectors.

Expressway project

The President’s first stop was at Barangay Cansang-an in Naga City, where he inspected the ongoing works on Metro Cebu Expressway Segment 3A, a major road infrastructure project that the government expects to improve mobility in southern Cebu.

According to Malacañang and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the 4.55-kilometer segment spans Barangays Pangdan and Inayagan in Naga City and is expected to benefit more than 3,000 industrial workers, commuters, and motorists.

The project suffered setbacks after a landslide damaged portions of the alignment in 2023. Government officials said rehabilitation and construction works now include drainage systems, asphalt overlay, slope stabilization, and environmental protection measures.

Once completed, the expressway is expected to cut travel time between Naga City and N. Bacalso Avenue in Metro Cebu from around 35 minutes to only 15 minutes.

Malacañang said Marcos had directed the DPWH to fast-track the project to support economic activity and ease traffic congestion in highly urbanized areas.

The administration views new highways and bypass roads as key investments that can speed up the movement of people and goods while reducing fuel consumption and travel costs.

READ: Marcos shows drought measures ahead of severe El Niño threat

Mananga River rehabilitation

From Naga City, Marcos proceeded to Barangay San Isidro in Talisay City to inspect the rehabilitation of flood mitigation structures along the Mananga River.

The project follows the devastating flash floods triggered by Typhoon Tino in November 2025, which damaged river protection structures and affected several communities along the river.

The rehabilitation covers Barangays San Isidro, Lawaan II, Mohon, Dumlog, and Biasong.

Government engineers are restoring damaged revetment walls, strengthening riverbank protection systems, and repairing other flood-control facilities to improve the river’s capacity to convey floodwaters and reduce erosion.

The visit comes as the country enters the rainy season, with the national government emphasizing the need for stronger flood mitigation infrastructure in vulnerable communities.

Earlier, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the implementation of a no-build zone along portions of the Mananga River to help prevent a repeat of the destruction caused by the typhoon.

Malacañang said the rehabilitation is part of a broader effort to improve flood-control systems nationwide and protect families living in riverside, low-lying, and flood-prone areas.

READ: In Bohol, P3.5-billion Loboc River project under scrutiny

Walang Gutom Kitchen

Marcos concluded his Cebu visit at Pier 4 in Cebu City for the launch of a Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK), a flagship initiative under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pag-abot Program.

The facility will serve as a community hub for homeless individuals, families in street situations, and people experiencing involuntary hunger due to socioeconomic difficulties.

Under the program, the kitchen will provide free meals daily, with food distribution scheduled at 6 a.m. for breakfast and 11 a.m. for lunch.

The center can serve around 200 to 250 individuals per meal, depending on available supplies.

Beyond food assistance, the facility will offer social services, including client profiling, counseling, biometric identity verification, referrals for healthcare services, literacy support, and links to housing, legal, medical, and educational assistance.

The initiative also aims to establish partnerships with hotels, restaurants, and other food establishments for surplus food recovery in line with Republic Act No. 9803, or the Food Donation Act of 2009.

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