THE recurring devastation of floods in Metro Cebu has forced a strategic pivot in flood control, moving beyond clearing urban drains to engineering interventions high in the mountains. Following the destruction caused by typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) earlier this month, the focus has shifted to how steep slopes accelerate disaster before water even reaches the city.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced plans on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, to construct specialized “Sabo” dams across Metro Cebu’s upland areas. He outlined a dual approach: building upstream infrastructure to control water velocity while simultaneously dredging silted waterways in the lowlands. The President attended the launch of the Oplan Kontra Baha: Metro Cebu Waterways Clearing and Cleaning Operations at Mahiga Creek near the M. Logarta Bridge, which is located between the cities of Mandaue and Cebu,
Geography of flash floods. Cebu’s topography presents a specific challenge that standard drainage cannot always handle. The province is characterized by steep mountain slopes that act as funnels during heavy rains, causing water to descend rapidly into the metropolis. This reality turns heavy rainfall into high-velocity flash floods that carry massive amounts of mud and debris. Without upstream control, the sheer volume and speed of the water overwhelm urban waterways, regardless of how clean they are.
Why Sabo dam matters. The introduction of Sabo dams represents a recognition that urban dredging alone is insufficient to protect lives and property. The stakes were highlighted by the casualties and massive property damage resulting from typhoon Tino on Nov. 4.
For residents in low-lying areas, this infrastructure aims to buy time during storms by slowing the arrival of peak floodwaters. For the administration, the success of this initiative is a critical test of its infrastructure policy, particularly after the President canceled the 2026 flood control budget due to irregularities, opting to reallocate funds to social services while relying on the existing 2025 budget.
Perspectives on the strategy. Officials emphasize that the new strategy is about speed control rather than just water storage.
“Yung mga Sabo dam o mga maliliit na dam na itatayo mula sa bundok magsisimula ay kinokontrol yung takbo ng tubig (Those Sabo dams or small dams that will be built starting from the mountains control the flow of water),” Marcos said, explaining that the structures begin the control process at the source.
Toribio Noel Ilao, director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bureau of Equipment, noted that the technology is adapted from countries with similar mountainous terrains.
“Ang purpose talaga niya is pabagalin, lalo na pag may flash floods (Its purpose is really to slow down flooding, especially when there are flash floods),” Ilao said.
Mechanism of Sabo dams. Unlike traditional reservoirs designed to store water for use, Sabo dams are specialized barriers built specifically for sediment control and flow regulation. Long utilized in Japan, these structures are permeable enough to let normal water flow through but robust enough to trap large debris, rocks and driftwood during a storm.
By catching solid materials upstream, these dams prevent the “battering ram” effect of debris-filled floods that destroy bridges and homes downstream. Ilao indicated the DPWH would prioritize these structures for the Mananga River in Talisay City, Butuanon River in Cebu and Mandaue cities and Cotcot River in Liloan.
Immediate relief through dredging. While the dams are in the planning phase, the immediate government response focuses on clearing the severe siltation currently choking Cebu’s waterways. The government has deployed 287 heavy equipment units to rehabilitate over 161 kilometers of rivers and creeks.
Marcos highlighted the severity of the blockage at Mahiga Creek, noting that silt buildup has become so extreme that heavy machinery can sit on the riverbed above the water line.
The cleanup targets major waterways — Mahiga Creek, Guadalupe River, Kinalumsan River, Butuanon River, Mananga River, Cansaga River, Subangdaku River and Cotcot River — utilizing strategies ranging from mechanical dredging to the use of vacuum sewer jet cleaners.
Budgetary constraints. The implementation of these engineering projects faces complex financial constraints. The construction of Sabo dams cannot commence until feasibility studies are complete and specific budget allocations are secured.
This comes amid a tighter fiscal approach to flood control. President Marcos previously redirected the 2026 flood control budget to sectors like health and education following a review that uncovered irregularities in infrastructure projects. The administration plans to maximize the P350 billion already allocated for 2025 to fund these immediate interventions.
What to watch. The clearing operations are scheduled to run for nine months, targeting visible improvements by July 2026, just before the next rainy season.
Key indicators of progress will include the completion of the feasibility studies for the Sabo dams and the effectiveness of the Oplan Kontra Baha dredging in reducing flood depths during the interim months. The success of the program relies on public cooperation, as officials warn that continued waste disposal in rivers could negate the benefits of these engineering solutions. (EHP)