AROUND 76 percent of Dabawenyos believe the national government should prioritize flood control issues over other social concerns, according to an online survey by the University of Mindanao-Institute of Popular Opinion (UM-IPO).
Of the 1,200 respondents, 914 identified scandals in flood control projects as the top issue the government should address. This was followed by the impeachment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with 137 respondents, the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte with 68, issues involving former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court with 58, and anomalies revealed by 18 former marines with 23.
Respondents said they prioritized flood control due to alleged corruption and misuse of public funds. Others called for accountability and justice for those involved, warning that “ghost projects” could endanger lives and communities during flash floods.
Some respondents also cited distrust in the government and political system, economic concerns, and frustration over national priorities.
Jessere Sardido, a resident of Barangay Mintal, said the government should not lose focus on flood control despite other pressing issues such as rising oil prices.
“Maybe ang flood control need ipriority kay naa man jud areas na need ug flood control ug makaask ta asa ni na padung (Maybe flood control needs to be prioritized because there are areas that really need it, and we should be able to ask where the funds are going.),” she told SunStar Davao on April 1, 2026.
Julian Sigcaran, a resident of Barangay Gumitan, said Dabawenyos want stronger accountability from the government.
“We should ask the government for accountability and let them deliver justice because that amount of money is not just thousands but millions,” he said.
Sigcaran added that once flood control issues are addressed, the government can move on to other concerns.
The survey also measured awareness of national issues. Nine out of ten respondents said they were aware of flood control scandals, the impeachment cases against the president and vice president, and issues involving Duterte before the ICC. Eight out of ten said they were aware of the anomalies involving the former Marines.
In terms of concern, nine out of ten respondents said they were worried about flood control issues. Six out of ten expressed concern over issues involving Duterte, the vice president’s impeachment, and the anomalies involving the former Marines. Only four out of ten said they were concerned about the impeachment of Marcos.
UM-IPO conducted the survey from March 11 to 22, 2026, using targeted advertisements on Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram. Respondents were Davao City residents aged 18 and above with active email accounts. The survey has a 95 percent confidence level and a ±2.83 percent margin of error. RGP