Cebu City beefs up efforts vs flooding

CEBU, Philippines — After experiencing flooding at the start of the rainy season, the Cebu City Government is doubling its efforts in desilting, drainage clearing, and the implementation of flood-control measures to protect vulnerable communities.

Several teams from various city offices and partner agencies have been deployed to different barangays, including Kalubihan, Sto. Niño, Tejero, San Roque, Pari-an, Tinago, and Ermita.

Over the past few days, clearing and drainage improvement works have been ongoing along Leon Kilat Street, M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Bonifacio Street, Sikatuna Street, Carbon Market, and nearby waterways, where silt, garbage, and debris are being removed to restore water flow.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said that these measures are essential to protecting communities, especially in areas that have historically experienced flooding.

He emphasized that flood mitigation requires continuous action, coordination, and community involvement.

The Department of Public Services (DPS), headed by John Paul Gelasque, has been working with the mayor’s office on declogging drainage systems, desilting operations, and solid waste management.

These measures are aimed at improving water flow and maintaining the cleanliness of communities, thereby reducing flood risks and ensuring a healthier environment.

Flood preparedness has become a continuing concern in Cebu City, where rapid urbanization and poor waste disposal practices have historically worsened flooding, according to officials in previous reports.

PAGASA declared the start of the rainy season earlier this month, warning of intensified southwest monsoon rains and the possibility of tropical cyclones affecting the Visayas.

Past storms, including Typhoon Tino in late 2025, highlighted the city’s vulnerability when rivers overflowed and drainage systems failed to cope with the volume of water.

National agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have also undertaken river widening, waterway rehabilitation, and stricter enforcement of no-build zones in flood-prone areas.

Meanwhile, DPWH-7 responded to flooding incidents along sections of Natalio Bacalso Avenue in Minglanilla and Carcar City following continuous rainfall that affected traffic flow on June 11.

DPWH-7, on its Facebook page, said that its personnel and equipment had been placed on standby to conduct drainage clearing, declogging operations, and other necessary interventions to help ensure that roads remain safe and passable amid the rainy weather.

One of the affected areas was Barangay Tunghaan in Minglanilla, particularly along Natalio Bacalso Avenue in front of Cebu Home Builders, where flooding caused moderate to heavy traffic.

DPWH personnel carried out declogging and drainage-cleaning activities while advising motorists to slow down, follow traffic enforcers, and consider using alternative routes.

Another flooding incident was reported along Natalio Bacalso Avenue near a vehicle dealership and Anjo World in Minglanilla. According to DPWH-7, response operations began at 6:48 a.m., and the area was cleared, with normal traffic restored by 7:32 a.m.

Floodwaters along Natalio Bacalso Avenue in Carcar City, on the other hand, were cleared by 7:08 a.m. after workers removed garbage that had blocked the drainage system.

DPWH-7 urged motorists and commuters to remain vigilant, as localized flooding may still occur due to continuing rainfall. The agency advised the public to monitor road conditions and avoid flooded sections whenever possible.

The agency also assured the public that response teams remain ready to address any flooding incidents and maintain the safety and accessibility of major roads across Central Visayas. — /IHM (FREEMAN)