The recent devastating floods that submerged Tisa, Cebu City have done more than just damage homes and displace families—they've exposed what appears to be a P1.74 billion failure in infrastructure planning and execution.
Massive Budget, Minimal Protection
Despite the national government allocating a staggering P1.74 billion for flood control projects in Cebu City's south district, residents of Sitio Kawayan, Barangay Tisa found themselves wading through chest-deep waters during recent torrential rains. The disturbing disconnect between allocated funds and actual protection has left the community demanding answers.
Residents Speak Out: 'We've Seen No Improvements'
Local residents expressed their frustration and fear as floodwaters rapidly invaded their homes. 'We haven't seen any significant flood control projects here,' one longtime resident reported. 'The water comes faster and rises higher each year, despite the billions supposedly spent to protect us.'
The situation became so dire that emergency responders had to evacuate multiple families, with some residents requiring rescue from their flooded homes. The scene mirrored disaster response operations typically seen during typhoons, yet this was caused by what should have been manageable rainfall.
Official Response and Accountability
Barangay Tisa officials have confirmed they've received numerous complaints about the inadequate drainage system and lack of visible flood control infrastructure. The question on everyone's mind: Where did the P1.74 billion actually go if not to protect vulnerable communities like Tisa?
Local government units are now facing increased pressure to:
- Provide transparent accounting of flood control fund utilization
- Implement immediate relief measures for affected families
- Develop a comprehensive action plan to prevent future flooding
- Conduct thorough inspections of existing drainage systems
The Bigger Picture: Infrastructure Governance
This incident raises serious concerns about infrastructure governance and budget allocation effectiveness. When communities designated as flood-prone areas continue to suffer despite massive financial allocations, it suggests deeper systemic issues in project planning, implementation, and oversight.
The Tisa flooding serves as a wake-up call for government agencies to ensure that infrastructure budgets translate into tangible protection for citizens, especially as climate change intensifies weather patterns across the Philippines.
