CEBU City Councilor Harry Eran has called on Mayor Nestor Archival to reactivate the Task Force Gubat sa Baha to address recurring flooding and illegal structures in the city’s waterways.
Eran made the appeal during his privilege speech on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, following a site inspection at Tagunol Creek in Barangay Basak-San Nicolas. The inspection aimed to assess the flood risk posed by informal settlements and structures built within the three-meter easement zones along rivers and creeks.
Hours after the inspection, 89 families were rescued after heavy rains caused Tagunol Creek to overflow, flooding nearby homes.
Eran cited Presidential Decree 1067, or the Water Code of the Philippines, which prohibits construction within easement zones. He added that informal settlers continue to live in these danger zones, increasing their risk during heavy rains.
Barangay Cogon Pardo has prepared a relocation site for informal settlers living along Tagunol Creek, Eran said.
The councilor also referenced Executive Order 2, series of 2022, which created an inter-agency group to enforce easement regulations.
The task force was launched in 2022 under former mayor Michael Rama. The task force focused on clearing waterways, widening rivers, planning flood control projects and providing housing solutions for displaced residents.
Eran urged the City Government to coordinate with housing agencies to facilitate resettlement efforts and prevent future flooding disasters.
The task force became inactive after Rama’s suspension and eventual dismissal from service in 2024. / EHP