CEBU, PHILIPPINES — Councilor Joel Garganera on Monday renewed his call for stricter regulation of upland development, saying recurring floods continue to affect communities because watershed protection and land-use controls remain inadequate.
In a privilege speech before the Cebu City Council, Garganera reminded the city government that despite repeated warnings, flooding persists as upland development continues without intervention from the administration of Mayor Nestor Archival.
“We cannot expect different results if there is no meaningful intervention,” Garganera said as he pressed the mayor’s administration to account for actions taken since his December 2025 call for a moratorium on upland developments.
The councilor noted that 231 days have passed since he first warned that unless Cebu City strengthened watershed governance and adopted science-based management, downstream flood control projects would remain ineffective.
He said rivers continue to be clogged with garbage and sediments, easement clearing has stalled, and the city has yet to present a comprehensive flood resilience master plan.
“Flood control is not measured by how quickly we respond after every storm, but by how effectively we prepare before the next one arrives,” he said.
Archival had publicly supported Garganera’s call on December 17, 2025, but told reporters before Monday’s City Council session that any moratorium on upland developments could only be imposed after a thorough review of existing projects.
The mayor also directed the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) to reassess upland developments and revisit the 2017 Drainage Master Plan, which identified 104 flood control projects, several of which remain unfinished or require rehabilitation.
He likewise ordered the construction of a water reservoir in Barangay Labangon to capture runoff from upland areas.
In March 2026, at least six upland projects were issued cease and desist orders after inspections uncovered alleged illegal earthmoving and quarrying activities in Barangays Binaliw, Buhisan and Budlaan, as well as Villa Montana Subdivision.
The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office recommended suspending the projects pending compliance reviews.
Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña also cautioned against allowing hillside developments to proceed without adequate catchment systems.
“After development, developers are gone, but the people remain. Twenty years from now, what, another public hearing? We should learn to look ahead,” said Osmeña.
Garganera said that piecemeal flood control projects could even worsen flooding if they are not guided by scientific studies, urging the city to consult hydrologists, watershed specialists and geologists.
“Economic development and watershed stewardship can go hand in hand. They are not enemies when they are guided by sound science and responsible governance,” he said.
The City Council approved Garganera’s motion requesting the mayor to submit, within 30 days, a comprehensive report detailing actions taken on upland developments, flood mitigation strategies and consultations with technical experts.
Written by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/FPL
