Mandaue City has begun implementing urgent revisions to the long-delayed A.C. Cor infrastructure to reduce flood risks. The city council approved the project in early July, aiming to protect residential areas and commercial zones from severe flooding. The A.C. Cor, a critical drainage system, has been under review for over a decade due to its deteriorating condition and inability to handle heavy rainfall.
The project includes the expansion of existing channels, the construction of new pumping stations, and the reinforcement of embankments along key flood-prone routes. Engineers estimate the work will take 18 months to complete, with initial phases starting in August. Officials emphasize that the upgrades will significantly improve water flow during monsoon seasons, which typically begin in June.
The A.C. Cor was originally designed in the 1980s to manage urban runoff but has since become overwhelmed by rapid urbanization and climate change. Recent floods in 2023 caused widespread damage, prompting local leaders to prioritize the project. Community feedback played a key role in shaping the revisions, with residents highlighting the need for faster drainage and safer evacuation routes.
The initiative reflects growing concerns over climate resilience in coastal cities. Mandaue, located in the southern Philippines, has experienced increasing frequency of extreme weather events. While the project is expected to reduce flood impact, experts caution that long-term solutions will require ongoing investment and adaptive planning.
