LGUs urged to draft action plans vs flooding, landslide

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board has asked the local government units in the province to submit action plans, strategies and measures that would promote safety and minimize losses due to conditions in their respective flood and landslide hazard areas.

Board Member Thadeo Ouano, the proponent of the move, also asked government agencies like the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Interior and Local Government and the Provincial Planning and Development Office to assist the LGUs in formulating the action plans.

The MGB is asked to disseminate flooding and landslide hazard maps to the LGUs and conduct information and education campaign for proper and appropriate interpretation and understanding of the said maps.

The MGB and other relevant national government agencies already have prepared the Flooding and Landslide Hazard Maps for Cebu Province.

Ouano said the maps will serve as guide and reference for LGUs in identifying floodplains or flood hazard areas in their respective localities. 

The EMB has to provide guidelines in the Environmental Impact Assessment studies and Environmental Compliance Certificate conditions.

The DILG and PPDO shall require the LGUs to incorporate their respective action plans in their comprehensive development and land use plans.    - (THE FREEMAN)