Expert to Cebu: Solve flooding problem now

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu must respond to the challenges of climate change by being proactive instead of being reactive - that is, by adopting engineering techniques meant to control massive flooding.

This was the crux of the message of Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, chief executive officer of World Wildlife Fund - Philippines, during yesterday's discussion on "Assessing Risks and managing climate change impacts."

The activity is part of a series on Understanding Choices Forum (Are we ready for "the new normal"?) initiated by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.

With half of the world's icebergs melting for the past 20 years due to global warming, Cebu will not be spared in the event of massive flooding, Tan said. A worst case scenario is having a huge part of Cebu submerged in water and not even planting thousands of trees can abate this problem, Tan said.

He cited the situation in Hagonoy, Bulacan that is submerged in sea water due to the rise of sea level caused by "excessive" extraction of ground water.

The massive flooding here during a downpour is something that Tan said can be considered a "futuristic view" of the province if it does not plan its development carefully.  He suggested the establishment of detention ponds to prevent drainage systems from getting choked by rainwater coming from upland areas. A choked drainage can result to flooding in the low-lying areas, he said.

He also said it might be about time another airport is built on the mainland because when massive flooding happens, Mactan Island where the existing airport is located is most likely the first to be submerged due to its proximity to the sea. Without an airport, much of the province's operations will be compromised.

Aklan, for instance, he said, has five airports.

With effects of climate change like erratic weather considerations now considered as the "new normal", Cebu must act fast if it wants its development to continue.

Tan said risks are prominent in highly-urbanized areas like Metro Manila, the cities of Davao and Cebu, as these are where people converge for opportunities. – /JMO (FREEMAN)