Rama creates ‘special task force’ vs. flooding

THE Cebu City Goverment has created a “special task force” that will address the city’s flooding problems and create solutions to make the city more “flood-resilient.”

In his Executive Order (EO) 2, series of 2022 signed on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, Mayor Michael Rama asked for the coordination of various government agencies and other stakeholders in his “gubat sa baha” (war on flood).

In his EO, Rama said the special task force he is organizing will be composed of different City Hall offices such as the secretary to the mayor, City Administrator, City Planning and Development Office, Office of the City Engineer, Office of the Building Official and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), among others.

Flood control master plan

The government offices are tasked to undertake the development of a sustainable flood control master plan which will be subject to Rama’s approval.

The plan should contain defined engineering, environmental, housing resettlement, and other solutions to ensure a flood-resilient city, the EO added.

The city engineer and DPWH are also tasked to prepare feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs for flood-control projects which will be constituted as an integral part of the flood control master plan.

Rama also stated in his EO that the National and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices shall provide proper planning and guidance in disasters and catastrophes to the city.

Schools and universities in the city are also asked to integrate programs and activities that will enlighten the student sector in their roles in the environment.

“The program shall include among others comprehensive lectures to students on existing Philippine environmental laws, Cebu City ordinances on the environment, and the adoption of ‘gugma sa kalikupan,’ a day of awareness where students express their love for the environment,” read a portion of the EO.

Private sector participation

The EO also called for the participation of the private sector in the implementation of programs to efficiently accomplish the objectives to solve the flooding problem of the city.

On Wednesday, Aug. 17, the heavy rainfall resulted in the overflowing of five rivers in the city, affecting at least 29 barangays.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) has reported 41 incidents of flooding in different areas of the city.

The CCDRMO found out that tons of garbage have clogged the city’s drainage system which resulted in flooding.