In Cebu City: Flooding is Rama administration’s priority

CEBU, Philippines —  The perennial flooding in Cebu City, especially during heavy rains, will be a priority concern the new administration of Mayor Michael Rama will address.

Rama said the city is not lacking of residents with the right skills to help solve the problem and will bring on board those who have offered solutions.

“I don't want to be an engineering wizard… but we have available individuals at the tip of our fingers,” Rama told reporters morning on Wednesday, July 6, 2022.

The city should also work closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“DPWH should be involved… it cannot be Cebu City government alone,” he said.

Rama said addressing the problem of flooding is one way for the city to achieve its vision of following in the footsteps of Singapore, Rama said.

Councilor Jerry Guardo also said Rama has instructed the Council to make flood prevention measures a priority.

“Right now, mao naay priority… as directed by the mayor,” Guardo said.

Speaking before the City Council Wednesday afternoon, Rama said solving the problem of flooding, as well as other problems, will need unity.

“It has to be we… We cannot be Singapore-like if it’s only me,” he said.

At present, the city is working on bring its rivers back to their original state and size in the hope of utilizing them to the fullest, especially during heavy rains.

Recovery work is ongoing on the Lahug, Kinalumsan, Butuanon, and Bulacao rivers.

As far as Basak Pardo is concerned, Guardo said they will have to work on the outfall in Alumnus in Barangay Mambaling to address the flooding problem in the area.

Also on Wednesday, Rama ordered the immediate evacuation of residents affected by landslide, as well as those living in flood-prone areas.

Barug, resulta

Meanwhile, Rama said his plan for the city in the next three years is summarized by the acronym BARUG, which stands for Better business opportunities; Adequate water supply; Resettlement and housing; Urban and upland development; and Good governance and disaster resilience.

Alongside these main goals are comprehensive educational support, environment management system, barangay welfare and community development; universal health care programs for seniors and PWDS; cultural, historical, and art and spiritual upliftment;  infrastructure and technological advancement; traffic and mass transits; and youth and children sports development.

Alvin Garcia, the new vice mayor and presiding officer of the Council, said he supports Rama’s vision and promises RESULTA together with the rest of the Council.

RESULTA stands for Responsiveness to help the Mayor, Education, Settlement issues, Urban Development, Livelihood, Transportation, and Advancing the representation of different sectors in the City.

Council committees

Aside from being presiding officer, Garcia will also head the committees on housing and animal welfare in the Council.

Returning Councilor Donaldo Hontiveros will handle several committees, including education; science and technology; scholarship program; as well as tourism, arts, and culture.

Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera will have her hands full with the committee on health, hospital services and sanitation, house rules and oversight, women, LGBT, and family affairs.

Councilor Noel Wenceslao, on the other hand, will chair the committee on budget and finance; Councilor Prancrasio Esparis will chair the committee on social services; and Councilor Jaypee Labella will chair the committee on information and communication technology, labor and employment, cooperative, and livelihood.

Councilor Pastor Alcover, Jr. will head the committee on trade, commerce, and entrepreneurship, as well as agriculture and rural development while councilor Rey Gealon, the former city attorney, will chair the committee on laws, ordinances, and styling.

Councilor Philip Zafra got the chairmanship of the committee on public services and public order while councilor Jerry Guardo continues to head the committee on infrastructure and urban planning.

Councilor Renato Osmeña, Jr. will have the market committee, as well as the games and amusement committee.

Councilor Joel Garganera, for his part, will chair the committee on disaster risk reduction, management, safety; climate change adaptation and environment; natural resources; energy; and other utilities.

Councilor James Cuenco will head the committee on transportation and communication, and the city’s sister cities relations and big brother programs.

Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson Jessica Resch and Association of Barangay Councils President Franklyn Ong will chair the committees on youth and sports development and barangay affairs, respectively.

Pesquera is the new majority floor leader while Archival is the minority floor leader. – Sanden J. Anadia and Decemay P. Padilla, JMO (FREEMAN)