MANDAUE Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano appealed for patience regarding ongoing post-typhoon cleanup efforts, emphasizing that major thoroughfares must be cleared first to allow heavy equipment to eventually reach interior barangays.
Ouano addressed complaints from residents, particularly in inner areas like Opao, who have expressed frustration over uncollected debris.
“The first thing we did after the typhoon was to make sure our major roads were cleaned,” Ouano said. “Residents in Opao, where I live, often ask why their area isn’t cleaned first. But we really need to prioritize the major roads before moving to the interior portions.”
The mayor explained that heavy equipment, such as payloaders and dump trucks, cannot navigate narrow inner roads while main avenues remain obstructed.
Equipment and manpower shortage
Compounding the difficulty is a shortage of government-owned machinery. Ouano revealed that when he assumed office on July 1, 2025, the City only had three dump trucks, two of which were damaged.
“We even had to borrow trucks from the barangays, which is the opposite of what normally happens,” he noted.
To speed up operations, the City has acquired two additional pieces of equipment and hired private contractors to focus on key sections like UN Ave. With the support of the City Council and Vice Mayor Glenn Bersede, a supplemental budget was approved to rent more units, including four dump trucks and a payloader expected to arrive this week.
Water supply vs. road flushing
The mayor also turned down requests for road flushing services to clear mud, citing the critical water shortage affecting households.
“I asked for their understanding. We cannot provide flushing inside homes or narrow areas because many families still don’t have water for bathing or using their comfort rooms. If they see us using water for flushing roads, they might get upset,” Ouano said. “We have to set our priorities.”
Drainage Issues
Beyond garbage collection, the City is tackling floodwaters that refuse to subside in areas like Alang-alang, Umapad and Opao. Ouano attributed this to drainage systems blocked by mud and informal structures built over waterways.
“These structures need to be removed, but it cannot be done instantly,” he said.
While the Department of Public Works and Highways assists with clearing operations, the mayor urged residents to coordinate with their barangay officials for specific concerns.
“We are doing everything we can... We will get to them,” Ouano assured. / ABC