CEBU reeled from hours of torrential rain that unleashed massive flooding in Mandaue and Cebu Cities, killing one man, sweeping away houses and vehicles, damaging flood-control works, and displacing hundreds of families.
The downpour overwhelmed drainage systems, sending floodwaters racing through at least 11 barangays in Mandaue, including Alang-alang, Cabancalan, Canduman, Casuntingan, Jagobiao, Maguikay, Paknaan, Tabok, Tipolo, Tingub, and Umapad.
As of Aug. 16, 2025, the City Social Welfare Services Office reported 560 families or 2,333 individuals affected. In Cebu City, a family in Barangay Pit-os lost their home while residents in Barangay Pahina Central were evacuated.
Many sought shelter in evacuation centers, with 55 families in Maguikay National High School, 74 families in Tabok National High School, 66 families in Tingub National High School, and 365 families in Umapad Elementary School.
Pagasa said the rains, brought by a thunderstorm system, lasted for hours and hit multiple areas across Cebu, from Mandaue City to Argao, Consolacion, Liloan, Danao City, and Toledo. Floodwaters rose quickly, sweeping vehicles downstream as residents scrambled to higher ground with only minutes to spare.
The floods claimed the life of 25-year-old Jeremy Bolingket of Barangay Paknaan, who drowned after being swept away while trying to stop a taxi from being carried off, believing its driver was trapped inside.
His body was recovered hours later in Pagatpatan, Mandaue. Alongside the taxi, a multicab and three motorcycles were also carried away by raging waters and left beyond repair.
According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), the barangays affected by flooding in Mandaue City were Alang-alang, Cabancalan, Canduman, Casuntingan, Jagobiao, Maguikay, Paknaan, Tabok, Tipolo, Tingub, and Umapad.
These areas experienced varying depths of floodwater, with some riverside communities completely submerged and several major roads transformed into fast-moving streams.
In Barangay Casuntingan, five houses in Sitio Lub-ang were swept away when the Butuanon River overflowed, pounding an unfinished P90-million flood-control riprap project by On Point Construction.
Residents blamed the incomplete work, saying the water crashed through and tore down a 15-meter section.
Amalita Salazar, who has lived there for more than a decade, said: “The water went over the wall, and then it just broke apart. We had no time to save our belongings.”
Martin Tan of On Point Construction said a deliberate opening had been left to ease water pressure during ongoing work, estimating P500,000 in damages.
Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, who initiated the project under her P3.8-billion allocation, admitted the Butuanon River’s flood problem would need at least P12 billion to solve.
Ouano-Dizon, who initiated the flood-control project, inspected the site with engineers early Saturday morning.
The congresswoman also visited Barangay Paknaan’s Zone Tangkong, where residents experienced flooding because construction on the riprap was halted by a land dispute with property owner Celbestre Manatad.
Ouano-Dizon said the dispute has delayed protection works for downstream areas, while in Sitio Zone Ahos, residents avoided flooding altogether because of a completed riprap that served as a barrier between the Butuanon River and homes.
The disaster has renewed scrutiny over the billions of pesos spent on Cebu’s flood-control projects.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro blasted corruption in Cebu’s flood projects: “Despite billions spent on flood control projects in Cebu, the flooding remains severe. Who really benefits from these funds? It’s time to expose the officials responsible. Let the investigation begin — no one should be above the law.”
Echoing President Marcos Jr., she added: “Mahiya naman kayo!” and warned corrupt officials to “brace yourselves.”
In Cebu City, Councilor Dave Tumulak, chair of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said upland drainage systems had performed well but warned that downstream areas remain at risk without urgent dredging, widening, and desilting of rivers.
He also recommended debris screens, culvert expansions, and stricter waste-management enforcement.
“Flood control cannot rely on quick fixes. It requires discipline, coordination, and participation from everyone — government, businesses, and citizens,” Tumulak said.
The councilor pushed for a comprehensive flood-management approach that combines structural measures such as widening, dredging, and desilting of rivers and drainage channels with improved community participation and strict environmental enforcement.
He emphasized that agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways, environmental offices, and the local government must have clear roles and firm coordination in implementing these strategies.
Among the key measures identified are the systematic desilting of canals and outfalls, widening of chokepoint culverts, installation of debris screens, and strict schedules for clearing waste and vegetation. Tumulak also underscored the need for upstream waste-management campaigns, as clogged waterways worsen flooding in low-lying areas.
Beyond infrastructure, he called for stronger community resilience. This includes enhancing early warning systems, clear evacuation plans, safe zone designations, and stricter land-use planning to limit new development in flood-prone zones. He also urged long-term relocation efforts in high-risk areas, alongside educational campaigns on proper waste disposal and drainage maintenance. / CAV, ABC