The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has launched an investigation into flood control projects in Cebu Province after Typhoon Tino caused severe damage across the province.

ICI Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr. personally inspected several flood control structures in Barangays Tabok and Alang-Alang in Mandaue City, areas severely affected by flooding when the Butuanon River overflowed.

The inspection team also included Public Works Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar, AFP General Ariel Caculitan, and Mayors for Good Governance Lead Convenor and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. They later visited flood control projects in Talisay City, Compostela, and Cebu City.

During the inspection, Azurin criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for failing to adhere to the master plan, also known as the mother plan, for river basin management and flood control.

“Parang iba-iba ‘yung design, there’s something wrong siguro na bakit ganun mayroong motherplan pero hindi sinusunod sa baba” Azurin said.

The master plan, completed in 2017 under former DPWH Secretary Babes Singson, identified 18 major river basins nationwide as priority areas for flood mitigation.

“As far as this is concerned, DPWH-7 is supposed to be responsible and accountable for what happened here,” the ICI special adviser added.

It can be recalled, Cebu Province Governor Pam Baricuatro previously reported that over ₱26 billion had been allocated for flood control projects in the province. Despite this, several areas were hit by deadly flash floods during Typhoon Tino, resulting in casualties and extensive property damage.

The typhoon destroyed numerous homes and left entire communities submerged. Earlier this month, the Provincial Government of Cebu declared a state of calamity under Executive Order No. 86 to accelerate relief and recovery operations.