Close to 3,000 residents of Barangay Mabuhay in San Fernando town in Bukidnon province are now free from the recurring threat of flash flood following the completion of a P112.9–million flood control project by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Data from the Sumbong sa Pangulo website said the construction of the flood mitigation structure was implemented by Genesis88 Construction Inc. The contractor completed the project on Nov. 12, 2024.

Data also showed that Genesis88 Construction Inc. was among the contractors who built several sturdy infrastructure projects in various areas in the first district in Davao City. Residents attested that the flood mitigation projects helped ease their lives.

Residents and officials of Barangay Mabuhay commended workers who built the dike. They described the structure as a significant flood control measure that now serves as a protective barrier for lives, properties, and livelihoods once vulnerable to flash floods.

Eighty-year-old farmer Teresita Taboclaon, who has lived in the barangay for four decades, recalled that monsoon rains triggered flash flood, eroded riverbanks, and threatened their farms and people’s lives near the Pulangi River.

Now, she said, the dike has relieved farming families.

“We can now use our farmland properly. Before, our crops were destroyed whenever the creek overflowed. After they built the dike, our corn grew healthy and didn’t break, even during heavy rains,” Taboclaon said.

“We just live near the dike and witnessed how the workers built it fast day and night, but ensured it was sturdy,” she said, adding that they do not have to worry about leaving their land.

Ernesto Lago, 56, also farmer and resident, said the river still overflows during heavy downpour, but no longer reaches their community. He added that the water immediately subsides unlike before when there was no flood mitigation structure.

“Residents here before were restless every time it rained badly. Floods washed away several houses, including our plants and animals. Now our livelihood is safe. The dike is sturdy, and they even built a brick walkway for people,” Lago said.

Barangay councilor Mary Joy Monesterio noted that their area has been spared from severe flooding since the dike’s construction.

Barangay Mabuhay Chairman Carlito Galve said the structure has significantly improved community safety, unlike before, when the strong current washed out houses, destroyed homes, and stole the lives of people and livestock.

“We had to sound alarms when floodwaters rose, especially when the two creeks met. Today, the dike holds strong. We’re only waiting for the formal turnover so the barangay could allocate the maintenance budget if there’s only the need for repair and add lighting along the dike,” Galve said.

Galve cited around 2,090 residents benefit directly from the flood mitigation structure.

He said residents are more relaxed at night, even if it rains. He assured people they would monitor the project.

Mayor Rogelio “Dodoy” Yeke thanked the national and local governments, including the DPWH and the contractor of the flood mitigation project, for their efforts in addressing flooding issues. He said people can now sleep soundly at night, knowing they are safe.

“As far as the 65,000 residents in my town are concerned, they can now sleep soundly, knowing they are safe. The flood mitigation projects here have given us peace of mind during rainfalls,” Yeke said, adding that they are monitoring infrastructure projects to ensure quality and accountability.