The Cebu City Council has taken a decisive step to address the persistent and disruptive flooding plaguing parts of the Pardo District. In a move spearheaded by Councilor Harry Eran, the council passed a resolution urgently requesting the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to prioritize the Tagunol Creek Flood Control Project in its funding program.
A Persistent Problem Disrupting Daily Life
Residents and motorists in areas like L. Gabuya Street in Barangay Cogon Pardo and Basak Pardo continue to face severe hardships due to repeated flooding. During heavy rains, floodwaters in these areas can reach waist-deep levels, creating a dual crisis of traffic gridlock and serious public safety hazards. The situation severely disrupts daily commutes, public transportation, and the livelihoods of those living and working in the affected communities.
Clearing the Path for a Solution
The resolution highlights a significant breakthrough that now allows the long-delayed project to move forward. According to the document, informal settler families previously living within the project site have already been relocated. This removal of a major obstacle paves the way for flood control work to proceed without further hindrance.
The council emphasized that the Tagunol Creek serves as the primary outfall and channel for floodwaters coming from the upland barangays of Pardo District. Ensuring the creek has adequate capacity is, therefore, critical to protecting lives, property, and public safety, especially for downstream communities.
Economic Impact and the Call for Action
The economic toll of the flooding is also severe. Small businesses in the area report significant losses as customers avoid the flooded location and deliveries are delayed. The resolution describes the completion of the Tagunol Creek Flood Control Project as a necessary, urgent, and practical measure to solve this recurring issue.
Through this resolution, dated and relevant to the ongoing situation, the Cebu City Council is formally appealing to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to include the project among the agency's top priorities. The council's action underscores the local government's effort to find a permanent solution to a problem that has long affected the Pardo District's resilience and economic vitality.
