CEBU CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. started the week busy, crisscrossing Bohol and Cebu to inspect major projects on Monday, June 22.

The President first went to Bohol to inaugurate a multi-million irrigation project before proceeding to Cebu.

While in Cebu, Marcos inspected the construction of the Metro Cebu Expressway Segment 3-A in the City of Naga and the Managa River Flood Mitigation Structure in Talisay City.

Marcos capped his visit by attending the launching of the “Walang Gutom Kitchen” at Pier 4 in Cebu City.

"Binalikan natin, kung maalala ninyo, pinuntahan natin ito noong bago dumaan 'yung baha. At tiningnan natin, nakita natin na napakataas ng tubig at napakatagal bago 'yung umapaw na tubig eh napakatagal bago nawala," the President said after inspecting rehabilitation efforts on Mananga River.

Marcos said the flood-control structures were redesigned and bolstered by advanced drainage networks. "We will still continue to repair and to redesign the flood control here," Marcos added.

Also present during the inspection was Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, who said the project features redesigned flood-control structures that now utilize gabion walls, a nature-based solution that helps slow the flow of water and reduce erosion.

The technology is a proven and effective alternative to conventional concrete structures, Dizon said. “Most importantly, it slows down the flow of water,” Dizon said.

As the government strengthened flood-control structures in Mananga, Marcos underscored the importance of maintaining no-build zones on vulnerable sections of the river.

Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas said families living in high-risk areas have been relocated. Gullas said while the city has limited space and despite some resistance, the city managed to relocate affected residents.