THE Cebu City Council approved the state of calamity declaration to fast-track the desilting and dredging efforts on all major waterways against widespread flooding in the city.
Councilor Dave Tumulak, who chaired the Committee on Disaster Response, endorsed the resolution to the City Council during the regular session on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMO) on Friday, July 18, first declared the state of calamity, aligning with Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival's request.
The declaration came after heavy rains on July 16 caused significant flooding in streets and residential areas.
Tumulak clarified the City Government has P61 million available Quick Response (QR) funds for the third quarter, but the executive department will utilize around P15 million for desilting and declogging initiatives.
This amount includes the rental of heavy equipment, such as amphibious excavators, as these machines will desilt and dredge heavily silted waterways and tributaries in the city at the mouth.
Tumulak hopes the July 16 flooding incident will not happen again.
During the deliberation, Tumulak said the City Government will prioritize the desilting of Estero de Parian, Kamputhaw River at M.J. Cuenco Avenue.
He also assured that these efforts will extend to all rivers and waterways.
Cebu City has at least eight major rivers and waterways: Bulacao, Butuanon, Estero de Parian, Guadalupe, Kinalumsan, Lahug, Mahiga, and Tejero Creek.
“Based on the recommendation of the Department of Engineering and Public Works, kay silted na kaayo ang mga rivers,” said Tumulak.
Tumulak attributed the flooding incident to the high volume of garbage that blocks drainage and canals, resulting in the overflowing of water to roads and residential areas.
He urged the public not to throw garbage anywhere.
On July 21, Archival had the same request for the public -- cooperation in waste segregation and climate preparedness to combat potential flooding during the rainy season.
He said he has plans to implement strict waste segregation, desilting efforts, and review the outdated Drainage Master Plan to mitigate flood risks. (EHP)