Nestor, Frasco discuss flood control efforts

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco are exploring flood mitigation measures along Cotcot River, a waterway that runs through both jurisdictions and has long posed risks to downstream communities.

In a courtesy call at the Cebu City Mayor’s Office yesterday, the two leaders discussed coordinated strategies to strengthen preparedness and reduce flooding hazards.

Frasco proposed the installation of an Early Warning System at Cambinocot Bridge, the upstream point where Cotcot River begins, to monitor water levels and provide alerts before floodwaters reach Liloan.

“Through this system, authorities can detect rising water levels earlier, giving residents and concerned agencies more time to prepare and take precautionary measures,” he said.

The possibility of a water catchment facility at the boundary of Cebu City and Liloan to regulate water flow was also discussed.

Archival welcomed the idea, stressing that flooding is a shared challenge.

“Pinaagi sa atong panag-uban ug kooperasyon, atong susihon ang mga praktikal ug malungtarong solusyon aron mas mapanalipdan ang kinabuhi ug kabtangan sa atong mga residente,” he said, noting that Cebu City will continue working with neighboring local government units and agencies to prioritize public safety.

During a press conference Monday, Kenneth Siasar, Archival’s chief of staff and spokesperson, emphasized the importance of upstream management.

“This morning (yesterday morning), nibisita nato ang mayor sa Liloan. Gusto siya makig-alayon tungod kay maghisgot ta og bagyo, maghisgot na og sapa, maghisgot ug baha dayon…Unya ang part and parcel sa tubig nga mosulod ngadto sa Liloan gikan man sa Cebu City—Cotcot, Tap-tap, Sirao, Cambinocot, Paril, unya mudritso sa ila,” he said.

Siasar added that Archival directed his staff to explore possible sites for diversion ponds along riverbanks.

“E-check kuno nato ang kabukiran, ang kining kilid sa sapa kung naa ba tay lugar nga maka-divert nato ang tubig like detention pond… aron dili tanang tubig gikan sa bukid mudritso ngari sa Liloan,” he explained.

He noted that Liloan’s plan to install monitoring devices at Cambinocot could give residents 30 to 40 minutes to prepare before floodwaters arrive.

During Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) in November 2025, Cotcot River overflowed and inundated communities in both Cebu City and Liloan.

Floodwaters submerged homes near Cotcot Bridge in Barangay Cotcot, forcing mass evacuations and claiming lives, according to reports. — (FREEMAN)