CEBU, PHILIPPINES — As widespread flooding continues to affect communities across Cebu, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy has appealed to government officials, developers, business owners and residents to place environmental protection at the center of the province’s development agenda.
In a message posted on his “Maymay sa Magbalantay” page, Uy urged leaders to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of the environment.
“In the wake of the recent floods in Cebu, I appeal to our government officials, developers, business owners, and landowners to ensure that economic progress never comes at the expense of our environment. Development must always respect creation and protect human life. Sustainable development is not an obstacle to growth; it is the only path to lasting progress,” Uy said.
The archbishop called on government leaders to pursue long-term flood mitigation measures instead of temporary solutions.
“Let us protect our watersheds, preserve our forests, restore our rivers, improve drainage systems, strictly enforce environmental laws, and ensure that flood-control projects are planned and implemented with competence, transparency, and integrity. Public funds intended to protect lives must never be compromised by corruption or poor planning,” Uy said.
He likewise urged developers and landowners to balance economic interests with environmental responsibility.
“I ask that every project be guided not only by profitability but also by responsibility. Let us avoid building in flood-prone areas without adequate safeguards, preserve natural waterways, provide sufficient green spaces and water-retention areas, and faithfully comply with environmental regulations. Progress that destroys creation is not genuine progress.”
Uy also appealed to the business sector to take a more active role in environmental protection and disaster resilience.
“Invest in environmentally responsible practices, reduce plastic waste, support tree-growing and river rehabilitation projects, and help communities prepare for future disasters through corporate social responsibility initiatives.”
Addressing ordinary Cebuanos, the archbishop stressed that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility.
“Let us never think that caring for creation is only the government’s responsibility. Proper waste disposal, reducing the use of plastics, keeping canals and rivers free of garbage, planting and caring for trees, conserving water, and choosing honest and competent leaders are responsibilities that belong to all of us.”
He concluded by emphasizing the link between environmental protection and human welfare.
“The recent floods remind us that everything is connected. When we care for creation, we protect human life. When we protect human life, we honor the Creator. Let us work together so that future generations may inherit not only a more prosperous Cebu, but also a safer, greener, and more compassionate one.”
Uy’s appeal comes after days of heavy rains triggered widespread flooding in several Cebu localities, particularly in highly urbanized areas.
In Cebu City, personnel from the Department of General Services, Department of Engineering and Public Works, and the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office have been working around the clock to clear clogged drainage systems, monitor road conditions and assist affected residents.
Despite hazardous conditions, emergency response teams continued clearing operations in several districts.
Earlier, Mayor Nestor Archival thanked frontline workers for continuing their duties despite the inclement weather and urged residents to heed official advisories and avoid flooded roads.
Over the weekend, Archival convened an emergency meeting in Barangay Tisa—one of the areas hardest hit by recurring flooding—to assess the causes of inundation in Sitio La Paloma and Sitio Tambisan.
The meeting brought together barangay officials, contractors and representatives of the La Paloma Subdivision Homeowners Association to identify both immediate and long-term drainage solutions.
Archival said the city government would continue working with all stakeholders to implement practical and sustainable flood mitigation measures and personally inspected the affected communities to assess the situation.
The mayor also led a cleanup drive in areas identified as having clogged drainage as part of the city’s immediate response, while reiterating the need for long-term solutions.
City officials are likewise exploring synchronized cleanup operations with the neighboring cities of Mandaue and Talisay, recognizing that interconnected waterways require coordinated rehabilitation efforts.
For residents of Barangay Tisa, the city’s continued response has provided reassurance, even as Archbishop Uy and other sectors continue to press for lasting solutions to Cebu’s recurring flooding problem.
Archival also renewed his appeal for community participation in keeping waterways clean.
“Padayon ta sa pagtinabangay alang sa mas luwas ug mas lig-on nga Cebu City,” he said, calling on residents to cooperate in proper waste management and drainage maintenance.
Written by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/FPL
