Samsam to Talisaynons: Let’s solve flooding problem together

CEBU, Philippines (Updated 4 p.m.)— Outgoing congressman and incoming Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas urged the Talisaynons to do their part in helping prevent flooding by properly throwing their plastic wastes.

Gullas also met with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2nd Engineering District and the Talisay City Solid Waste Management last Monday to figure out how they can solve the flooding problem in Barangay Bulacao.

Gullas said it was found out that there is a problem in the outfall.

"DPWH officials assured that there is a current budget to fix the outfall in the area but they can’t start since there are still informal settlers living near the project site," said Gullas in his Facebook account.

Gullas added that he already directed the Talisay City Legal Office, together with Barangay Bulacao chief Banjo Abastillas, to talk with the concerned families living on the affected site so they can vacate and allow DPWH to go ahead with the project.

"I assure our constituents that we cannot sacrifice the interest of the public at the expense of the few," Gullas said.

Aside from the meeting, the DPWH, the City Engineering Office and the City Legal Office also conducted an ocular inspection in the area.

As a short-term solution, Gullas said that he asked the City Engineering Office to coordinate with the concerned barangay to deploy the city's submersible pump in case of another flooding incident.

The incoming mayor also I requested DPWH-7 director Edgar Tabacon to deploy their submersible pump which is to be stationed at the DPWH's 2nd District office in Barangay Lawaan.

With this, he said, the city can mitigate flooding in Barangay Bulacao while DPWH personnel will start construction of the drainage outfall.

During the weekend, the city's clean-up task force conducted a declogging on drainage facilities in Barangay Bulacao.

For now, the DPWH and City Engineering Office will have to work hand in hand to clean and desilt the respective drainage systems.

"When I assume my mayorship this coming July 1, I will execute an Executive Order (EO), mandating a city-wide and city initiated quarterly coastal clean-up drive, monthly river clean-up drive  and weekly drainage clean-up drive," he said.

Gullas added that he already tasked the Solid Waste Management Office to draft the guidelines for the proposed policy.

He added that although they are slowly addressing the problem, a concerted effort between the City and all the Talisaynons is needed in solving the problem as well.

He cited that plastic wastes should not be thrown to the streets as one way of preventing flooding incidents.

Meanwhile, a total cleanup of rivers and seas in Cebu will be implemented by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7 to preserve the environment as well as rehabilitate the Mactan Channel.  — Joebelyn P. Carvajal, CNU Comm. Intern MBG (FREEMAN)