Mindanao, during wet season and stormy weather, is oftentimes at the brunt of flooding, devastating communities and damaging properties. Most prone to flooding in the region during heavy rains are the long strips of land at both sides of the Cagayan de Oro River in Misamis Oriental.
This vital waterway, while a source of life and livelihood, also poses a significant threat to the city. The river’s unpredictable nature, particularly during the rainy season, has historically brought devastating floods, causing loss of life, widespread property damage, and crippling disruptions to the local economy. Recognizing this urgent need for a more resilient future, the government has embarked on an ambitious Flood Risk Management Project (FRIMP) to mitigate the impact of floods and safeguard the city and its residents.
The Flood Control Project
The FRIMP for Cagayan de Oro River is a comprehensive endeavor that encompasses a multifaceted approach to flood control. This ambitious project is divided into three packages.
The 1st package was completed during the past administration, but Package 2 was formally opened and inaugurated last May 2023. The construction of the project started last 2014.
This P8.549 billion package involves a 12-kilometer stretch of the downstream portion from the river mouth up to the Pelaez Bridge and was funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It features innovative technology and design approaches based on a 50-year flood return period.
Among the project components include the construction of robust floodwalls and dikes and a boulevard. Reinforced concrete and earth dikes are strategically constructed along critical stretches of the river. These structures act as physical barriers, effectively preventing floodwaters from inundating vulnerable areas.
There is also river channel improvement, which includes dredging and widening of the river channel. This crucial step enhances the river’s capacity to carry floodwaters, minimizing the risk of overflow and reducing the impact of heavy rainfall.
Also involved in the project is the strategic placement of floodgates and sluiceways. The implementation of floodgates and sluiceways allows for controlled release of excess water, preventing the river from breaching its banks and mitigating the impact of sudden surges.
The project also includes construction of retarding basins. These strategically located basins act as temporary storage areas for excess flood water during peak periods. By gradually releasing the stored water, retarding basins help to regulate water flow and minimize the impact of sudden surges on the river system.
The project also incorporates advanced early warning systems, including rain gauges, water level sensors, and real-time data monitoring. These systems provide crucial information to residents and emergency responders, enabling timely evacuation and response efforts.
This integrated approach aims to create a robust and resilient flood defense system, providing long-term protection for Cagayan de Oro City and its inhabitants.
Meanwhile, the project’s Package 3 covers Kauswagan-Carmen-Balulang-Nazareth-Macasandig, encompassing 614 hectares of commercial and residential area, with about 21,700 structures and a population of 60,900. The FRIMP also has bridge components that aims to highly improve the City of Cagayan De Oro.
Significance of the FRIMP
The FRIMP for Cagayan de Oro River holds immense significance for the city’s well-being. By effectively mitigating the devastating impacts of floods, this project will be able to save lives in case of floods.
It will also be able to protect property since it will minimize damages to homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure, safeguarding the livelihoods of residents and ensuring the city’s continued economic growth.
FRIMP will also enhance economic stability by reducing the disruptions caused by floods; the project will create a more stable and predictable environment for businesses to operate, fostering economic growth and development.
It is also expected to help improve public health and safety since it will reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and other health hazards associated with flooding, ensuring the well-being of the city’s residents.
Additionally, it will enhance environmental sustainability. By improving river health and reducing erosion, the project contributes to the long-term environmental sustainability of the region.
Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy during the project’s inauguration, noting it to be a vital infrastructure that would not just protect communities along the river from floods but also contribute to a better image of the area.
“This project does not only provide the city yet another thoroughfare, but a boulevard that exposes the beauty and charm of the Cagayan River,” he said.
“My utmost admiration to the people who designed and worked on this wonderful project for making every Cagayanon feel safe from nature’s wrath. This beautiful project may have a healing effect on the trauma, and help assuage the sufferings of the people who survived [Tropical Storm] Sendong and succeeding floods,” Uy added.
The FRIMP for Cagayan de Oro River is not merely about flood control; it is about creating a safer, more prosperous, and more resilient future for the city and its inhabitants.
The FRIMP for Cagayan de Oro River is a testament to the government’s commitment to the development of the lives of Filipinos. This project aligns perfectly with the “Build Better More” program, which emphasizes the construction of high-quality, resilient infrastructure that can withstand the challenges of climate change. Furthermore, flood control projects are a key component of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2023-2028, which prioritizes the development of sustainable and resilient communities across the nation.
FRIMP is among the several flood control projects across the country, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. mentioned in his third State Of the Nation Address (SONA): “Marami pang iba ang kasalukuyang ginagawa sa buong bansa. Isa na rito ay ang flood risk management project sa Cagayan de Oro River na magbibigay ng pangmatagalang proteksyon sa 600 ektaryang lupa at 60,000 mamamayan.”
By investing in critical infrastructure such as FRIMP, the government has demonstrated its commitment to building a safer, more prosperous, and more equitable future for all Filipinos. This project serves as a model for other flood-prone areas across the country, showcasing the government’s dedication to addressing the challenges of climate change and creating a more sustainable and resilient nation for generations to come. (PTV)
