The Department of Science and Technology Region 7 (DOST 7) is championing a detailed, science-based water security assessment tool designed to empower Local Government Units (LGUs) across Cebu. This initiative aims to provide a clearer understanding of vulnerabilities related to flooding, water shortages, and infrastructure deficiencies exposed by recent calamities.
A New Framework for Water Security
DOST 7 Director Tristan Abando announced to reporters at the Water Secure PH Forum, which commenced on November 27, 2025, that the event's goal is to generate actionable recommendations for LGUs. This will be achieved through the introduction of the Water Security Assessment Tool (WatSat), developed by Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) scholar Prof. Mukand Babel.
According to Director Abando, this innovative tool will evaluate multiple dimensions, including water availability, access, infrastructure, management, and governance, to calculate a comprehensive water security index for each participating LGU.
Moving Beyond Short-Term Fixes
"We want to fall in love with the problem, not the solutions," Abando stated, emphasizing the critical need to re-assess Cebu's various approaches to flood management and watershed planning. He pointed out that the province has historically relied on short-term fixes, such as upgrading downstream drainage systems, which fail to address the root causes upstream.
He identified the lack of catchment basins and the absence of integrated river management as significant gaps in the current system. Abando further stressed that water-related challenges do not adhere to political boundaries, making it imperative for LGUs to coordinate their interventions across entire watersheds rather than focusing solely within their own territorial lines.
Collaborative Action and Early Adoption
The forum successfully gathered over 20 LGUs, along with water districts and universities. Several attending LGUs were identified as priority beneficiaries for the DOST's Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, particularly under its "smart water security" component. This program is designed to extend current water security measures down to the community level.
In a leading move, Mandaue City has become the first LGU in Cebu to apply the WatSat framework. This was done through a study led by Dr. Evelyn Taboada and funded by an international partner. Dr. Taboada's team enhanced the original five-dimension AIT model by adding two context-specific indicators tailored to local conditions.
The study was completed in 2025, and the DOST is now collaborating with Mandaue City to identify precise interventions based on the findings, marking a significant step toward data-driven water resource management in the region.
