THE P8.549-billion Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan de Oro River (FRIMP-CDOR)-Contract Package 2 (Consolacion) is now open.
On Friday, May 26, 2023, the City Government, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the JICA Philippines, formally inaugurated the project which consisted of floodwall structure with river boulevard and static sand compaction piles. It also has reinforced concrete pipe culverts with flap gates that will strengthen the resilience of communities along the Cagayan de Oro River.
The FRIMP-CDOR is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It covers the 12 kilometer stretch of the downstream portion from the river mouth up to the Pelaez Bridge. It features innovative technology and design approach based on a 50-year flood return period.
City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy, in his message, cited the importance of the project, saying that it is a vital infrastructure that would protect the people of Cagayan de Oro from floods.
"My utmost admiration to the people who designed and worked on this wonderful project for making every Cagayanon feel safe from nature’s wrath. This beautiful project may have a healing effect on the trauma, and help assuage the sufferings of the people who survived Sendong and succeeding floods," Uy said.
This was echoed by Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez, who emphasized the project's aim to mitigate flood risk in the Cagayan de Oro River basin, thereby protecting the lives and properties of the city's residents.
"This will be a boulevard of fulfilled dreams. We will be giving our city safety [from further calamities]," Rodriguez said.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, for his part, said that the FRIMP CDOR is a step to the realization of one of the department's target outputs to build disaster resilient structures in calamity prone areas.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Project Director Ramon Arriola III; Chief Representative of JICA Philippines Takema Sakamoto; and Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa, represented by Second Secretary Akito Kinoshita.