Flood problem a top priority

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival and Mandaue City Mayor-elect Jonkie Ouano have pledged to address their cities’ long-standing drainage and flooding problems immediately upon taking office on July 1.

Archival, known for his environmental advocacy, has already held preliminary discussions with the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) and the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), even before taking office, to begin addressing the recurring floods.

While not yet able to issue formal directives, Archival said he has reviewed the city’s drainage master plan and discussed initial solutions with relevant departments. He plans to expedite its execution as soon as his term officially starts.

One of the immediate measures he plans to implement in flood-prone areas such as Colon Street and Tejero is the installation of pumps to redirect overflow water into rivers as a temporary solution.

Archival earlier urged concerned offices, including the City Engineering Office and the Department of Public Services, to begin desilting and de-clogging efforts as the rainy season begins.

“Gistoryahan na nakong engineering nga kinahanglan karon mag desilting na ta [sa mga sapa],” he added.

He emphasized that removing silt, stones, and trash buildup from rivers will improve the city’s drainage capacity.

When asked about the timeline for completing the master plan, Archival admitted that it’s still uncertain.

“Wala pa ta kahibaw, pero akong gusto 6 months labing dugay,” he stated.

While an exact timeframe is still unclear, Archival said he will prioritize quick responses to flooding while

pursuing long-term solutions. He has also asked the CCDRRMO and DEPW to submit their proposed mitigation plans within the week.

Outgoing City Councilor Jerry Guardo has previously called for a new drainage study, pointing out that the current master plan was created two decades ago. Guardo, who chairs the committee on infrastructure, noted persistent flooding downtown due to incomplete drainage work under the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

In his first 100 days, Archival said he aims to clear all manholes of debris and ensure they are properly sealed.

In Mandaue City

Meanwhile, Mandaue City Mayor-elect Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said he will work closely with the national government to ensure Mandaue’s drainage systems align with infrastructure plans of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Ouano emphasized that his administration will make every effort to resolve persistent flooding concerns in critical areas, particularly A.S. Fortuna Street and Barangay Tipolo, which are often submerged during heavy rains.

He stressed the importance of realistic governance.

“I don’t want to promise of something nga dili nato matuman kay balikan ta sa katawhan ana,” Ouano added.

The mayor-elect revealed that initial discussions have already taken place with members of the Mandaue City business sector regarding the issue.

He pointed out a key challenge in A.S. Fortuna, where drainage lines pass through privately owned

properties, often resulting in legal complications.

“Ang problema man gud dinha sa A.S. Fortuna, ang mga drainage mu go through og mga private nga properties. Mahitabo diri, mukiha ang mga landowners,” he explained.

Ouano also underscored the urgency of implementing long-term solutions, given the limited three-year term of a city mayor.

“Ang term baya nato is only good for three years, kung dili naka madaog sunod, unya dili na ipadayon sa sunod nga administration, wala gihapon,” he said.

Despite the limitations, he assured that his administration will focus heavily on A.S. Fortuna and Tipolo.

“Mao nana siya atong tutukan og maayo,” he said.

Ouano noted that during their house-to-house campaign visits, flooding was one of the most common concerns raised by residents, prompting the incoming administration to make flood-prone zones a top priority.

He added that funding for drainage projects in major roads such as A.S. Fortuna could come from the national government, while improvements in interior barangays will be covered by the local government.

“Pwede ang National sa A.S. Fortuna kay dako-dako og gasto, ug kaning sa interior barangays kay ang Local,” he said.

Coastal cleanups in Cebu City

Prior the end of his term, Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros has committed to continuing the city’s environmental initiatives, particularly in coastal areas.

During the flag-raising ceremony on June 9, Hontiveros reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting nature.

"Tinuod gyud na atong panumpa nga mo protect ta sa kalikasan," he said.

In an interview with The Freeman, Hontiveros announced that the city will hold its quarterly cleanup drive on June 21 in various rivers and coastal areas, including Pasil.

He said meetings have already been held with partner groups from the private sector and uniformed services to designate cleanup zones. Meetings with barangay officials are scheduled for early this week.

Even after stepping down, Hontiveros said he plans to remain active in environmental efforts as a private citizen.

“From the private sector, kung naa na sad si incoming Vice-Mayor Tommy Osmeña — kay naa mana sa iyaha by ordinance ang coastal cleanup every quarter — mo support gihapon mi sa among grupo,” he added.

He urged the public to support the city-wide cleanup, calling it a “parting gift” from his administration. Hontiveros also expressed gratitude to the individuals and groups who supported the initiative during his time as vice mayor.  — Joseph Adrian Leyson, Caren Itolle, CNU Interns (FREEMAN)