December 17, 2025 — During a press briefing, Vice Mayor Ivy Durano conveys to members of the media the official position of Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III and LGU–Danao City on key infrastructure proposals,
social assistance concerns, and the City’s overall recovery plan following the devastation caused by Typhoon
Tino.
DPWH-Submitted Projects Not Aligned with City Priorities
Vice Mayor Durano discloses that infrastructure projects submitted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for implementation in 2026 are not aligned with the priority needs of Danao City.
“Sad to note, ang project nga gi-submit sa DPWH ngadto kang Mayor Nito for 2026 are not priority projects of the City,” Vice Mayor Durano states.
According to her, DPWH–Fifth District officials made a courtesy call to Mayor Nito primarily to seek permits to proceed with the proposed projects. However, many of these involve the re-concreting of roads in Danao
City that remain in good condition.
“Naa pa may daghan nga angay’ng sementuhon nga karsada sa Danao, nganong gub-on man ninyo ang maayo pa,” Vice Mayor Durano quotes Mayor Nito.
As a result, Mayor Nito denies the issuance of permits for these projects. Instead, he formally writes to the national government, including the Office of the President, to submit Danao City’s priority infrastructure needs, particularly the rehabilitation of major bridges and structures washed out during Typhoon Tino.
(Copy of the letter to the President is attached to this press release.)
Clarification on DSWD Assistance Distribution
Vice Mayor Durano also addresses concerns regarding the release of assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
While DSWD has begun releasing financial assistance to families whose houses are classified as totally damaged, the process causes confusion and concern among residents.
Based on the City’s validated assessment, 517 families in Danao City are identified as having homes totally washed out by Typhoon Tino. However, initial fund releases from DSWD reportedly benefit only 59 families, with several recipients not belonging to the “totally damaged” category.
Mayor Nito calls for an urgent clarification with DSWD to ensure the fair, accurate and just distribution of assistance to those who are most affected.
Post-Tino Recovery Efforts and LGU Interventions
In response to Typhoon Tino, the City Government immediately organizes a multi-departmental assessment team tasked to conduct thorough ocular inspections and reassess reports from barangays.
Out of the initial list of over 1,000 affected families, the assessment confirms 517 families whose homes are completely washed out.
The result of the assessment comes long before the DSWD’s assistance distribution; this is why the City Government presses the need for urgent clarification and coordination with DSWD to ensure that assistance is distributed fairly, accurately and based on validated assessments.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Durano also mentions the LGU’s immediate recovery priorities:
- Declogging of the city’s drainage systems, which become heavily filled with mud after Typhoon Tino,causing flooding even during light rainfall;
- Desilting of river systems to restore proper water flow and reduce flood risks.
Post-Typhoon Donations and Financial Support
Following Typhoon Tino, Danao City receives a total cash donation of Php 4,835,000.00, with Php 2.5 million coming from the Cebu Provincial Government.
These funds form part of the City’s broader recovery and rehabilitation strategy.
Rebuilding the Depensa: City’s Top Priority Flood Mitigation Project
Vice Mayor Durano emphasizes that the reconstruction of the Depensa—Danao City’s primary flood defense structure—is the City Government’s top priority.
The original Depensa, constructed by DPWH in the 1970s, protects Danao’s urban area for decades but is severely damaged and washed out during Typhoon Tino.
Without the Depensa, the City believes that continued heavy rainfall poses a serious threat to the urban center of Danao City.
Because of the urgency of the situation, Mayor Nito makes the difficult decision to cancel the City’s participation in Sinulog activities and Christmas celebrations, diverting all available funds toward rebuilding the Depensa.
Project Scope and Funding
The Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure (Depensa Project) will be implemented in two low-lying barangays:
- Ilaya Poblacion – Estimated project cost: ₱22,787,664.00
- Tuburan Sur – Estimated project cost: ₱9,565,840.97
The Ilaya Poblacion Depensa, which is totally damaged, is the first priority, with ₱13,086,602.99 allocated for Phase 1, set to commence immediately at the start of Fiscal Year 2026.
Modern, Stronger and Sustainable Flood Protection
The new Depensa is a modern flood protection infrastructure designed to be stronger, smarter and more resilient than the previous structure built over four decades ago by DPWH.
While the previous structure is overwhelmed by intense flash floods, other river protection works in Danao City remain intact, underscoring the importance of improved engineering design.
Under Mayor Nito’s directive, the reconstruction is funded directly by the City Government, ensuring faster implementation without delays.
The project is developed by the City Planning Office and implemented by the City Engineering Office, with the following objectives:
- Prevent flooding and reduce damage during extreme weather events
- Guide floodwaters along natural pathways
- Respect environmental flow and surrounding ecosystems
- Ensure safety, durability, and long-term sustainability
Key Technical Features
- Solid concrete foundation extending 1.5 meters below natural grade line
- Grouted riprap system reinforced with concrete for stability and resistance to displacement
- Double-reinforced concrete facing on both sides with:
o Top and bottom reinforcing bars
o 8-inch concrete slab thickness
- Additional stone layering for enhanced durability
Drainage and Water Management Components include:
- Box culverts
- Catch basins
These ensure efficient water flow and prevent pooling.
Compared to the old stacked-stone design, the new Depensa integrates reinforced concrete elements, offering greater structural integrity and long-term resilience.
Fiscal Capacity and Commitment
The City’s commitment to recovery and resilience is backed by its growing fiscal capacity:
- Danao City Annual Budget 2025: Php 1,227,959,246.07
- Danao City Annual Budget 2026: Php 1,393,047,196.61
The Depensa Project aligns with Mayor Nito’s priority to invest in resilient infrastructure from the very start of his term, ensuring long-term protection for Danawanon families.
Mayor Nito’s Message
During the Thanksgiving and Recovery Tribute on December 1, Mayor Nito emphasizes the City’s resolve:
“Ato nang pagasugdan ang pagtrabaho sa atong depensa gamit ang atong kaugalingong pundo isip usa ka dakbayan… Ibalik nato ang buhis sa katawhan pinaagi sa pagpabarug pag-usab sa depensa… We must learn from nature, respect it and incorporate it in planning safer, secure, and sustainable communities.”
Through decisive leadership, clear prioritization, responsible governance, people-centered planning, and investments in resilient infrastructure, the City Government of Danao reaffirms its commitment to protecting lives, restoring communities, and building a safer, more resilient Danao City, HERE AND NOW.