Sapangdaku under calamity state

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council has declared Barangay Sapangdaku under a state of calamity due to the imminent flooding and landslide in the area with the onset of the rainy season.

The City Council’s official declaration came a day after Mayor Michael Rama visited the barangay and made his personal assessment that the barangay should be placed under state of calamity following the floodings that affected around 500 students of Sapangdaku Elementary School.

Councilors Gerardo Carillo and Dave Tumulak sponsored the resolution to declare the barangay under state of calamity.

“As already experienced in the past, Barangay Sapangdaku is prone to flooding after every heavy downpour,” the resolution states.

Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical  and Astronomical Services Administration declared on Tuesday the onset of the rainy season.

The affected students were transferred to the barangay hall where they are now holding classes since Wednesday.

The council ordered the Department of Engineering and Public Works  to coordinate with the Local School Board and submit recommendations on the viability of Sitio Kabarang as possible site for the construction of new school buildings as recommended by the barangay council.

Cebu City Schools Division Superintendent Rhea Mar Angtud said they will hold an assembly with the parents to discuss the situation of the school. She said that the parents also have an option to transfer their children to the nearest schools or choose to stay with Sapangdaku. —(FREEMAN)