Palafox proposes sustainable flood mitigation

CEBU, Philippines — Well-respected urban planner Palafox Associates is offering Cebu City a bold leap toward sustainable flood mitigation and water conservation through its proposed Storm Water Management and Storm Drainage Master Plan.

During a courtesy visit the other day, Visayas Regional Director Architect Stephen Rhey G. Ralota led the presentation of the Graf EcoBloc prototype to Mayor Nestor Archival, highlighting the modular infrastructure as a vital solution for barangays prone to flooding.

Founded in 1989 by renowned architect and urban planner Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., Palafox Associates is a multi-disciplinary firm known for its visionary work in architecture, urban design, and environmental planning.

With thousands of projects from different countries around the world, the firm has earned global recognition—including being the first Filipino firm listed among the world’s top architectural practices.

The proposed Graf EcoBloc system is designed to capture and store stormwater efficiently, helping mitigate urban flooding.

This is also expected to address saltwater intrusion and water supply challenges, the City's PIO said.

Archival welcomed the idea and instructed the group to submit a formal proposal.

The group is also expected to coordinate closely with the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) for technical assessment and integration into city planning.

Earlier, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(AIIB) also visited Archival to explore possible partnership with the city government especially in infrastructure projects for flood management and water supply system.

The AIIB offered support through financing and technical assistance.

These visit came as Mayor Archival also convened the Flood Management Council earlier this week to mobilize urgent interventions across key waterways in the city.

The council outlined immediate clearing operations at Estero de Parian, dredging in the Colon area, and emergency evacuation of residents near the river mouth ahead of heavy rainfall.

A separate proposal to restructure the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) pond in Barangay Talamban—at no cost to MCWD—was also discussed as part of flood mitigation efforts.

Archival emphasized swift implementation, directing all involved agencies—DPWH, DEPW, CCENRO, CCDRRMO, CPDO, the City Legal Office, and other stakeholders—to act without any further delay. (CEBU NEWS)