Heavy rainfall on Saturday, October 25, 2025, once again submerged parts of Cebu City's Pardo district, with floodwaters reaching dangerous levels and severely disrupting daily life. The recurring problem highlights an urgent need for a permanent infrastructure solution.
Severe Flooding Halts Mobility and Commerce
In the latest incident, water levels in Barangay Pardo rose up to knee height in several areas. The situation was particularly critical along L. Gabuya St. in Barangays Cogon Pardo and Basak Pardo, where floodwaters became waist-deep. This made the street completely impassable, stranding residents and motorists alike.
The perennial flooding causes substantial economic and social disruption:
- Motorists are forced to find lengthy alternative routes or wait for hours for waters to subside.
- Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) operators frequently suspend trips or increase fares due to difficult detours.
- Local businesses suffer significant losses as customers stay away and deliveries are delayed.
Legislative Push for a National Priority Project
In direct response to the ongoing crisis, Cebu City Councilor Harry Eran has filed a resolution before the City Council. The measure seeks to include the long-planned Tagunol Creek flood control project in the priority funding program of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The resolution underscores that Tagunol Creek is the principal drainage outfall for floodwaters coming from the mountain areas and upper barangays of Pardo. Ensuring its capacity is deemed "critical to protect lives, property and public safety" for downstream communities.
A major hurdle for the project has recently been cleared: informal settler families living along the project site have been relocated. This removal of a longstanding obstacle now allows for unobstructed implementation of the flood control works.
A Call for Urgent National Support
Councilor Eran's resolution describes completing the Tagunol Creek project as a "necessary, urgent and practical measure" to mitigate flooding and prevent loss of life. It calls on DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to prioritize the project's funding.
The measure also stresses the need for close coordination between the national DPWH, the Cebu City local government, and the affected barangays to ensure timely completion. Citing the principle of local autonomy, it notes that national infrastructure projects impacting the local ecological balance require formal consultation and support from the local sanggunian (council).
While the relocation of settlers marks progress, residents of Pardo continue to bear the brunt of severe weather, waiting for the national intervention that could finally bring them lasting relief from the floods.
