DPWH-7 explains flooding in metro

CEBU, Philippines — Constricted waterways because of unabated illegal constructions, indiscriminate throwing of garbage, and lesser trees to absorb rainwater are among the reasons cited by the Department of Public Works and Highways-7 why flooding continues to be a problem in Metro Cebu.

Engineer Leslie Anthony Molina, district engineer of Cebu Second Engineering District, said that the rainwater from the mountain could no longer be absorbed because of lack of trees resulting to floods in the low-lying areas.

Molina said the waterways in the urban area could not also accommodate the volume of water because it has been constricted by the improvements of several houses.

"Ang nabilin nga open space ang ato nalang dalan so adto gyud painhon ang tubig. Kay ang ato pud mga canal are silted na ug puno sa basura ug plastics," Molina added.

Molina asked the public to do their share in preventing floods by not throwing their trash anywhere and stop making canals as dumping site.

Engineer Roy dela Cruz, project engineer of DPWH-7, advised the public to regularly clean the drainage and avoid littering.

"We need also a comprehensive Metro Cebu drainage plan to include Mandaue City and neighbor municipalities," said dela Cruz.

Lawyer Lisa Osorio, co-founder of Philippine Earth Justice Center, said that flooding is an issue that everyone has a stake on.

"No one is exempt from doing something about this. Since this is our new normal, we must all learn to adapt to climate change," Osorio said.

Osorio said that the government must lead in implementing environmental laws especially those dealing with floods and wastes. People are also asked to do their part in obeying laws and regulations.

"I won't be blaming anybody. It won't make us wade through it or drive it away. Floods will become more severe in the coming days, months and years ahead due to the departure of the climate we're  accustomed to," said lawyer Benjamin Cabrido.

Cabrido, an environmentalist, said that everyone has to adapt to the new reality.

Most of Metro Cebu streets were inundated Thursday afternoon following a heavy downpour which has stranded several commuters for hours on the street. —/FPL (FREEMAN)