By Xander Ledesma
A 15-meter section of a P127-million flood control project in Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue City, partially collapsed after days of heavy rain, with city inspectors discovering that bamboo, not steel bars, was used as reinforcement in some parts. The project, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 7 and constructed by ZLREJ Trading and Construction Corp., was designed to protect the area from Butuanon River flooding.
The collapse, which occurred on October 29, has raised questions about project quality and oversight. Following an inspection by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Operations and Warning Head Felix Suico Jr. reported cracks along a 15-20 meter stretch of the riprap wall, warning that the lack of proper reinforcement, including the absence of steel bars, compromises the structure’s stability and poses a risk to nearby residents. “We observed cracks along 15 to 20 meters of the riprap wall, and further inspection showed parts of the foundation lack reinforcement, compromising its stability,” Suico said in Cebuano.
District Engineer Gumer Castillo of DPWH’s Cebu Sixth Engineering Office confirmed that cracks had been identified months earlier but said repair efforts were delayed due to rain. He did not explain why steel bars were missing in the collapsed section, noting only that repairs would begin once weather conditions allowed and were expected to be completed by the end of November.
The 6,900-linear-meter project, funded by Lone District Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, is now under scrutiny. Barangay Maguikay Captain Joselito Kaugo has called for an investigation involving the DPWH, city government, Commission on Audit, and Office of the Ombudsman, citing concerns over material quality and construction methods. “This structural failure suggests substandard materials, endangering residents and nearby establishments,” Kaugo stated.
Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede emphasized the need for accountability and transparency, pointing to the need for clear answers about the individuals and agencies responsible. Meanwhile, Rep. Ouano-Dizon requested a full report from the DPWH, a repair timeline, and measures to prevent similar incidents. The CDRRMO has since cordoned off the damaged area to ensure safety while investigations are underway.