Courtesy: Jazel Neri Sarte
AS heavy rains triggered by a shear line drenched large parts of Mindanao, flood control projects in the first congressional district of Davao de Oro stood out as a working example of what happens when government infrastructure is not a “ghost” project, but well-structured and built with public funds put to proper use.
In an article titled “If Flood Control Isn’t a Ghost,” Davao City-based media outlet Mindanao Lens reported that flood mitigation structures in the district withstood days of steady downpours that caused landslides and flooding in other parts of the region.
Davao de Oro’s 1st legislative district is represented by Congresswoman Maria Carmen Zamora.
Flood control projects nationwide have recently faced intense scrutiny amid allegations of anomalies, unfinished works and substandard construction.
Against that backdrop, the Mindanao Lens report highlighted projects in Zamora’s district as proof of the benefits when infrastructure is properly designed, transparently implemented and structurally sound.
Residents said the difference during the recent rains was immediate and visible.
“Grabe jud ka helpful ang flood control. Nakapanghipos pa mi og tarong, nakahinlo pa gani. Hinay ra kaayo nisaka ang tubig, dili pareha sauna nga kalit ra mi maapsan. Dako jud kaayo ni og tabang,” said resident Jazel Neri Sarte.
(“The flood control was really a huge help. We were able to organize our things and even clean up. The water rose slowly, unlike before when it would suddenly surge and catch us off guard. It really helped a lot.”)
In Barangay Tupas in Maragusan town, the local government unit said the flood control project prevented water from entering residential areas despite sustained rainfall.
“Tungod niini, mas luwas ang atong komunidad bisan pa sa kusog nga ulan. Daghang salamat sa inyong padayon nga suporta ug pag-atiman sa among barangay,” the LGU said.
(“Because of this, our community is safer even during heavy rains. Thank you for your continued support and attention to our barangay.”)
Davao de Oro, a province vulnerable to intense rainfall due to its mountainous terrain and river systems, has historically experienced destructive flooding and landslides.
The recent shear line served as a real-world test of existing mitigation measures.
According to Mindanao Lens, residents in affected areas in Zamora’s district reported reduced impact compared with previous severe weather events.
The report underscored how flood control projects, when properly structured and responsibly funded, can deliver tangible protection rather than exist only on paper.
