Capitol grounds turning into anti-flood park

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government is transforming part of the Capitol grounds into a P10.5-million People's Heritage Park, designed not only as a 24/7 public open space but also as a flood-mitigating green infrastructure project aimed at reducing stormwater runoff into downtown Cebu City.

Construction of the 2,000-square-meter park is ongoing within the Capitol compound, with completion targeted by September.

The project is intended to demonstrate how green public spaces can help address urban flooding by capturing rainwater instead of allowing it to flow directly into low-lying areas.

Executive Assistant V Elizar Sabinay of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) said the People's Heritage Park was conceived as "a multipurpose park that will serve as a water catchment during flooding."

He explained that, unlike conventional parks, the project incorporates permeable paving materials that allow rainwater to seep into the ground.

"We call it permeable bricks, meaning it sips more water. Because if you put concrete, it doesn't sip," Sabinay said.

He added that the landscaping was also redesigned to improve water absorption.

"The grass before was animal grass. We changed it to carabao grass. The carabao grass sips more water," he said.

Aside from permeable surfaces, the park's design includes a sunken portion that will temporarily store rainwater during heavy downpours.

According to Sabinay, the collected water will be directed through a drainage system into a pumping facility connected to a water cistern tank, where it will later be reused.

"There's a drainage that goes here that will go to a particular pumping or water cistern tank that will supply water to our public CR in the park," he said.

Sabinay said the province's immediate contribution to easing flooding in downtown Cebu lies in slowing the movement of rainwater from higher elevations.

He noted that the Capitol sits on higher ground, where rainwater naturally flows downhill toward the city's flood-prone areas.

"The best way is really not to make the water run. Capture it. And making capture of it is to make public parks. Make more green spaces," Sabinay said.

He said the People's Heritage Park is envisioned as a model that other local government units (LGUs) can replicate to collectively lessen flooding.

"Although it's a small park, but if there are a lot of small parks surrounding Cebu City, it will somehow lessen flooding in Cebu City," he said.

Sabinay acknowledged that a single park will not eliminate flooding but said projects that retain rainwater before it reaches drainage systems can help reduce its impact.

"Hopefully through the park, it will lessen water going down to downtown, so it won't flood as much as before," he added.

Beyond its environmental function, the People's Heritage Park is also designed as an inclusive public space.

Plans include a jogging area, spaces for children and senior citizens, a coffee shop, a public restroom, and a glasshouse that can accommodate meetings and other public or private gatherings.

Sabinay said the park will also incorporate sustainability features, including solar-powered lighting and ventilation systems, while rainwater collected through the park's drainage and impounding system will be reused to supply water for the public restroom and the glasshouse.

He added that once completed, the People's Heritage Park will remain open to the public around the clock, making it a 24/7 green space.

Funding for the project comes from the Department of Budget and Management's Green, Green, Green Program. — /IHM (FREEMAN)