The Cebu Provincial Government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the devastating flash floods that submerged several towns following heavy rainfall, with early findings pointing directly to severe watershed degradation as the root cause.
Watershed Destruction Takes Center Stage
Provincial Board Member John Ismael Borgonia, who chairs the committee on environment, revealed that the investigation focuses on the alarming state of Cebu's watershed areas. "The common denominator in all these flooding incidents is the degraded condition of our watersheds," Borgonia stated during a recent session.
Multiple Towns Submerged
The flash floods wreaked havoc across several municipalities, including:
- Sogod - where floodwaters reached alarming levels
- Catmon - experiencing unprecedented flooding
- Carmen - among the hardest-hit areas
- Danao City - facing significant damage
- Compostela - struggling with flood aftermath
Environmental Neglect Comes Home to Roost
Board Member Borgonia didn't mince words when addressing the underlying causes. "The flooding is a direct consequence of environmental neglect," he emphasized. The investigation particularly highlights the Mananga Watershed, where illegal activities and deforestation have severely compromised the area's natural water absorption capacity.
Mananga Watershed: A Case Study in Environmental Decline
The Mananga Watershed, crucial for regulating water flow in the region, has suffered from:
- Illegal logging operations
- Unauthorized construction activities
- Agricultural encroachment
- Diminished forest cover
Call for Coordinated Action
The provincial government is now pushing for stronger coordination between local government units and national agencies, particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The goal is to implement immediate measures to protect and rehabilitate critical watershed areas before the next heavy rainfall.
"This isn't just about responding to disasters," Borgonia stressed. "This is about preventing them through proper environmental management and strict enforcement of our conservation laws."
The investigation continues as affected communities begin the difficult task of recovery, hoping that this disaster will serve as a wake-up call for more sustainable environmental practices across the province.
