Compliance with environmental laws: Subdivisions under watch

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council is now looking into the compliance of subdivisions and other urban developments with environmental laws following the widespread flooding the city experienced during a recent downpour.

A resolution sponsored by Councilor Alvin Arcilla, calling for a joint inspection of urban developments, was approved by the council in the aftermath of Typhoon Crising, which caused heavy rains and flooding in various parts of the country, including Cebu City.

According to the resolution, the typhoon brought about “severe and unprecedented flooding” across the streets and neighborhoods of Cebu City, affecting lives, properties, and critical public infrastructure.

The resolution also pointed out that numerous subdivisions and commercial projects have rapidly expanded in recent years, raising concerns over their potential impact on natural waterways, drainage systems, and the city’s environmental stability.

Arcilla stressed the need to evaluate the compliance of these developments with environmental laws, including drainage provisions, flood mitigation systems, and other regulatory requirements.

To address this, the City Council has called for a joint inspection and review by the Office of the Building Official (OBO), in coordination with the City Planning and Development Office, the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“The OBO is the appropriate office to spearhead the inspection, being the enforcement arm for building code compliance and environmental safeguards under the National Building Code,” said Arcilla.

He added that the OBO is tasked with ensuring that all developments adhere to approved plans, including site drainage systems, retention tanks, green spaces, and easements along waterways.

In addition to inspections, the council also called for a comprehensive review of all major subdivisions, housing projects, and urban developments in the city to determine whether they have contributed to, or helped mitigate, flood risks—and to recommend appropriate corrective or legal measures.

Earlier, the council had declared a State of Calamity in Cebu City following a recommendation from the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) on July 22, 2025.

The declaration was made to fast-track procurement processes for flood mitigation projects amid the onset of the rainy season. The emergency meeting, held at Cebu City Hall, was presided over by CDRRMC Chairperson Councilor Dave Tumulak and attended by Mayor Nestor Archival Sr.

The meeting was prompted by a heavy downpour that caused widespread flooding and traffic congestion in the city and triggered various disaster response operations, including rescues.

During the council session, Councilor Harold Go asked for clarification on the basis for the declaration. Tumulak responded that the move was necessary to activate the city’s quick response funds—30 percent of the remaining budget for the third quarter.

Tumulak assured the council that only P15 million of the P60 million left in the calamity fund would be used initially, with priority given to the desilting and declogging of rivers.

He said the Office of the Mayor had already identified key areas needing intervention, including the Esterdo de Parian, MJ Cuenco, and other waterways.

Tumulak also relayed the DEPW’s findings that many rivers in the city are heavily silted, obstructing the natural flow of water.

Archival has already outlined several flood mitigation plans, including updating the city’s drainage master plan, expediting the declaration of a State of Calamity, and enforcing rainwater catchment policies.

He cited a weather assessment from Engineer Oscar Tabada, the city's in-house meteorologist, warning that Cebu City could experience more heavy rains and typhoons through the end of the year.

As the rainy season begins, Archival said initial assessments revealed that many of the city’s drainage systems are clogged—largely due to improper garbage disposal.

“This is the time to appeal to the public for unity in addressing waste management,” he said.

Archival also called for a review of existing gabion dams, which he noted are silted up and no longer functioning as intended. He said the city government will coordinate with barangay officials to address the issue.

Due to a lack of heavy equipment, the mayor said desilting operations will initially have to rely on manual labor.

He added that once the State of Calamity is fully enforced, the city can rent equipment capable of handling large-scale desilting and excavation work. — /FPL (FREEMAN)