Community accountability pushed to end flooding

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief Aderson Comar is urging the incoming administration of Mayor-elect Nestor Archival to implement stricter regulations and promote community accountability to finally break the cycle of flooding in the city.

Cebu City has long battled persistent flooding, with recent heavy rains once again revealing the vulnerabilities of its drainage system.

While natural factors do contribute, Comar said in an interview with The Freeman that the primary cause of flooding is man-made-- clogged canals due to indiscriminate waste disposal.

“Ang naka baha man gud gikan nas mga kanal na ni clog up ba… Ubang mga tawo sa Cebu, mga wa puy batasan, pataka lag labay,” Comar lamented.

He emphasized that the city government has already spent significant resources on clearing operations, yet the problem continues due to undisciplined waste disposal habits.

City Hall personnel regularly conduct clean-ups of waterways, but many residents continue to throw garbage indiscriminately, leading to recurring blockages.

“Bisan pag unsaon, bisan pag pila ka million ng imong gastuhon para pag-clearing sa canal, kaning mga tawo maoy puy mga hinungdan, inig katug na nmo, wa nay magbantay, maoy ting labay ug basura, nya unsaon man tong kanal, gamay ra man, mu-clog up gyud na,” Comar added.

Mayor-elect Archival has already directed city departments to begin de-clogging and desilting operations ahead of the rainy season. However, Comar warned that without strict enforcement and cooperation from the public, such efforts may once again prove ineffective.

To help address the issue, Comar suggested that the new administration adopt a policy similar to those used in other local government units: make each household responsible for keeping its surroundings clean. He referred to the “Bakod mo, Linis mo” or “Imong tugkaran, imong limpyuhan” campaign.

City Hall employees, he said, could then act as supervisors—ensuring compliance and issuing penalties to violators.

He also noted that the previous administration had deployed city personnel to regularly clean the city’s drainage systems, but the lack of public discipline undermined those efforts.

Comar stressed that flooding is not just a matter of infrastructure but also a behavioral issue.

A shift in mindset is essential, he said, with residents taking responsibility for proper waste disposal and the cleanliness of their immediate environment. He expressed hope that under Archival’s leadership, the city would finally implement tougher policies that include community accountability. — /FPL (FREEMAN)