Mega Cebu Meets DPWH Sec to Solve Cebu Flooding

In light of the recent flooding in major sections of Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, and Lapu-Lapu City, many have been asking, “What is being done to address this recurring problem?”

On September 26, a delegation consisting of Congressman Raul Del Mar of 1st district of Cebu City; Roberto Aboitiz, Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) co-chair and Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) president; Engr. Jun Sanchez, MCDCB Research, Program and Organization Development (RPOD) chair of the Subcommittee on Infrastructure & Utilities; and Evelyn Nacario-Castro, MCDCB RPOD and RAFI-Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center executive director, met with DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson at the DPWH Central Office in Manila.

The meeting was arranged by Congressman Del Mar on behalf of the District Representatives of Metro Cebu in support of Mega Cebu’s efforts to address issues like flooding that transcend LGU boundaries.

Following through on Singson’s approval for the conduct of the comprehensive study and master plan for Metro Cebu drainage and stormwater management, the group discussed short-term, medium-term and long-term project ideas to address flooding and also brought attention on the traffic-congested intersections identified by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in its interim report of The Roadmap Study for Sustainable Urban Development in Metro Cebu.

Sanchez said that the issues of flooding and traffic are the two most pressing issues in Metro Cebu at present, noting that “these two are the infrastructure problems that have inflicted the most inconvenience and damage to the public and local economy, respectively.”

Singson cited a study titled “Study on the Flood Control for Rivers in Selected Urban Centers” undertaken by JICA in 1995 that outlined rivers and drainage areas in 13 selected urban centers in the country. He raised the need to validate the results of the study and obtain agreement from Mega Cebu leaders regarding prioritization of the rivers to address flooding.

He also confirmed full support for the conduct of the study and master plan as well as projects recommended by MCDCB in relation to drainage and stormwater management.

To address congested intersections, Singson also expressed interest and support for complementary infrastructure for Cebu’s future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that promotes metropolitan mobility and connectivity.

Key players in the development of Metro Cebu, including District Representatives, the Provincial Government, 13 Metro Cebu LGUs, national government agencies, and other leaders of Mega Cebu will gather on Friday, October 24 to discuss the next steps in moving forward after the meeting with Singson.

In the meantime, Cebuanos can rest assured that Mega Cebu and its partners are working hard with key institutions to address present day problems and lay the foundation for a Wholesome, Advanced, Vibrant, Equitable, and Sustainable Cebu under the Mega Cebu vision and platform. by Jackie Clavin (Mega Cebu Press Release)

Photo above: Mr. Roberto Aboitiz (left) and Congressman Raul del Mar (center) meet with DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson (right).