City eyes tapping national funds for flood control

CEBU, Philippines - To address the problem of flooding in Cebu City, organizers of the Reduced Danger Zone (REDZ) project of the city government is planning to tap on funds of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Project chairman Joey Daluz said DPWH has P78 billion for disaster preparedness projects. The budget is reportedly distributed nationwide and the city can certainly use some help for its flood control program.

Aside from tapping on DPWH funds, Daluz said they are also considering of partnering with other agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in acquiring high-tech devices and equipment for flood control systems.

Likewise, in line with the observance of “River Month,” Daluz said they will also coordinate with the Water Management Task Force and the Cebu City Rivers Management Council.

“I already informed REDZ to coordinate and integrate with these bodies to have one policy and one advocacy”, Daluz said.

REDZ is one of the projects of Mayor Michael Rama to improve, among others, the condition of rivers in the city.

A website for the project will also be launched this month. Daluz said the website will help the city create awareness and will serve as a platform for discussion.

“Flood is a very serious problem and we should not take it for granted. Let’s make a movement through the website by gathering all experts, create discussions, and inject ideas on improving our rivers,” Daluz said.

Yesterday, Daluz met with residents living near five rivers in the city, namely Mahiga, Lahug, Guadalupe, Bulacao and Kinalumsan to discuss the problem of flooding. It is often those living near rivers that get affected by the blunt of floods when the water rises.

Daluz said he has requested the groups to improve their reports so that concerned officials will have a better appreciation of the data.

“I-improve ang reporting and kinahanglan detailed ang data so that we can have a very impressive and good data,” Daluz said.  (FREEMAN)