Davao City First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte on Thursday welcomed the inclusion of the Davao City Flood Masterplan in the proposed 2027 national budget, but cautioned the national government to follow through on its promises to address the city’s persistent flooding.
In a statement, Duterte thanked Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon for his commitment to incorporate the flood control plan, saying the project would benefit not only current residents but also future generations who face recurring inundation during heavy rains.
“Kung mangyari ito, ito ay napakaganda. Hindi lamang para sa Dabawenyo, kundi para sa mga susunod na henerasyon na hindi na kailangang lumubog sa mga tubig ng baha kapag mabigat ang ulan,” Duterte said.
However, the lawmaker expressed skepticism over government assurances, citing delays in previously announced projects.
“Patawad kung medyo mahirap maniwala sa mga pangako mula sa pambansang gobyerno. Mayroon pang "mga darating na" na nasa pag-aayos pa rin,” he said.
“Ang ilan ay parang serye sa TV—marami ang may trailer, walang katapusan,” Duterte added, comparing the situation to a television series that builds anticipation but never delivers a conclusion.
Duterte said he hopes the flood masterplan will not turn into “another press release that looks good on camera but disappears after the headlines.”
He also reminded Dizon of his earlier commitment to raise the Talomo River dike by two meters, stressing that residents expect concrete action rather than pledges.
“Kung mayroon naman itong badyet, ilabas ito. Kung mayroon naman itong plano, simulan ito. Kung mayroon naman itong commitment, tuparin ito,” Duterte said.
Earlier Thursday, the Department of Public Works and Highways began clearing and dredging operations along the Talomo River in Barangay Bangkal, Davao City, a day after Dizon inspected the area in response to residents’ complaints of severe flooding during continuous rains.
The efforts followed an order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address worsening flooding in the city and ensure the safety of affected communities.
