Cimatu tapped to help solve Cebu City flooding

CEBU, Philippines — From being an overseer of the Covid-19 situation in Cebu City, retired general and former environment secretary Roy Cimatu will now become the chief implementer of the city’s integrated flood control master plan.

Mayor Michael Rama has tapped Cimatu to lead the recovery and rehabilitation of all rivers, waterways, and coastlines in the city.

Along with this, Cimatu was also voted as chairman of Gubat sa Baha Task Force.

As the mayor’s adviser, Cimatu will also oversee efforts at finding solutions to the city’s flooding problem, as well as looking for potable water sources to address scarcity.

Cimatu gladly accepted the challenge that Rama gave him, just as he did when he was tapped to help in the rehabilitation of Boracay, Marikina, Pasig and Manila Bay, among others.

“I am very happy and honored that I can be of service again, especially serving the good mayor of the city,” Cimatu said, adding that he will immediately prioritize solving flooding in the city.

As DENR secretary, Cimatu used to head the climate change cluster of the Duterte administration and also became Cebu’s overseer of Covid-19 at the height of the pandemic.

His role in helping combat coronavirus in Cebu City paved the way to confer on him the Order of Rajah Humabon.

Currently, city planning officer Archt. Yumi Espina is still in the process of integrating into all plans concerning flood control and drainage systems from various government departments.

Once done, Cimatu will lead the execution of such a plan.

While such a master plan is still in the works, Cimatu already wants to start rolling the ball from his side by declogging the drainage to help the way flow better while the recovery of the three-meter easement is still ongoing. — JMD (FREEMAN)