Flood control: Mandaue City clears Tipolo Creek to protect communities

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — Dredging and clearing operations are being conducted in sections of Tipolo Creek in Mandaue City as part of the city government’s efforts to ease flooding that has affected A.S. Fortuna Memorial Elementary School in Barangay Guizo and nearby areas.

City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. inspected the ongoing dredging operations near Tipolo Residences. The city initiated it after Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano inspected the school and surrounding areas last week.

Following the inspection, the city government requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to undertake dredging as one of the immediate measures to address Mandaue’s flooding problem.

Flood control in Mandaue City

The DPWH Regional Office responded by mobilizing equipment to the area, while the city government is providing fuel for the operation. Malig-on said the dredging initially focuses on sections that can be immediately accessed by the equipment, while the city continues to coordinate access to other portions of the creek.

The operation involves removing accumulated silt, soil, wood, and other materials that have blocked the creek’s natural waterway.

“Modako ang capacity sa sapa nga maagian sa tubig. Dili lang palawman, mahulog siya nga palapdan in a sense nga ibalik ang natural nga agianan nga karun nabunbunan og kahoy, yuta. Matangtang na siya ma-open ang capacity sa creek,” said Malig-on.

(The creek’s capacity to handle water will improve. This work isn’t just making it deeper, but in a sense, it’s being restored to its natural course. Wood and soil have clogged it. Once it’s cleared, the creek’s capacity will open up.)

Part of other Mandaue City flooding solutions

Dredging will also be conducted in the creek’s section in the Guizo area, with the city coordinating with the private company near it.

Malig-on said that the dredging is only one of several measures the city government is taking to prevent more floods. Other measures include clearing obstructions in the creek, installing a pipe to provide an additional passage for water, and providing a suction pump in the school.

The Mandaue city administrator clarified that the city has not demolished houses in the area. However, a structure reportedly being used as a washing area that was obstructing the creek was removed to clear the waterway.

Short-term measures and more

Flooding affects areas around Tipolo and Guizo and may extend toward Mantuyong, particularly when water levels rise during high tide. Malig-on noted that high tide can slow the outflow of water, making it more difficult for the creek to drain.

“Giingun man tong mayor naay mga long-term ug short-term measures. Ang duha nga immediate short term nahimo dredging ug kato giguba ang labhanan. Ang medium term kato gibinlan og suction pump ug kato butangan og pipe moagi sa kilid. So, kutob sa nahimo, nahimo na dayun ang tulo.”

(The mayor said there would need to be both long-term and short-term measures. Two of the immediate short-term measures are ongoing: the dredging and the removal of that washing area. A more medium-term solution was providing a suction pump and installing a pipe on the side for the water to flow through. Within its capacity, the city has worked on those three solutions.)

“Of course, dredging is a continuing effort because the silt in the creek builds up over time,” said Malig-on.

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