The municipality of Alegria in southwestern Cebu has taken proactive safety measures by temporarily suspending all river-related tourism activities effective Friday, December 5, 2025. This decisive action comes in response to the potential dangers posed by Tropical Depression Wilma, which prompted a yellow heavy rainfall alert for the area.
Precautionary Measures in Alegria's Ecotourism Sites
In a coordinated advisory, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Municipal Tourism Office ordered an immediate halt to popular adventures. The suspension specifically targets canyoneering, river trekking, swimming, and waterfalls activities.
Officials cited significant risks, including the sudden swelling of rivers, flash floods, landslides, and dangerously slippery trails within the town's ecotourism sites. Tourism operators and visitors have been directed to strictly comply with the mandate.
The advisory clearly states that the suspension took effect on Friday and will remain enforced until further notice. The lifting of the order is pending a clear improvement in both weather patterns and on-ground safety conditions. The local government continues to monitor the situation closely and promises to provide necessary updates.
For emergency concerns, visitors and residents are advised to contact the MDRRMO Alegria hotline.
Mandaue City Evacuees Grapple with Fear and Uncertainty
Meanwhile, in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City, the lingering effects of TD Wilma have forced a postponement of a scheduled decampment. Evacuees, who were originally expected to return home on Friday, December 5, will remain in shelters due to unsafe conditions.
Barangay Captain Reb Cortes explained the decision, linking it directly to the ongoing weather disturbance. The community is still reeling from the impact of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) on November 4, which heavily damaged approximately six to eight houses.
For many evacuees, the current bad weather triggers painful memories and deep trauma. Lorena Montebon, who has been staying at the Umapad gym evacuation center for a month, shared her family's harrowing experience during Typhoon Tino.
"We are terrified because we still carry the trauma from Typhoon Tino, especially since my children were trapped inside our house," Montebon said. She described how floodwaters rose to the second floor, forcing them to climb onto the roof—a first in their experience of flooding.
Another resident, Nenita del Carmen, expressed the emotional difficulty of even considering a return. "When I saw our house, everything was gone. All our belongings were washed away. Nothing was left," she recounted. Del Carmen evacuated with only a small bag containing minimal clothing.
She voiced a common anxiety among the displaced: "With Wilma now, it feels like we might be shaken again. We were already traumatized by the earthquake, and then Typhoon Tino happened right after." The compounded stress has made it hard for many to find peace, with some residents also refusing to return due to a lack of restored electricity, water, and persistent stagnant floodwater around their properties.
Northern Cebu Heeds Safety Call
The precautionary response extended to Northern Cebu as well. In Danao City, Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III ordered the suspension of work in all City Hall departments starting at 12 p.m. on December 5.
The mayor also urged private establishments to follow suit by suspending operations and adopting work-from-home arrangements to ensure public safety. However, personnel from the city's emergency and essential services remain on full standby to respond to any potential disasters.
Furthermore, all Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees were placed on high alert. They have been instructed to activate their respective Emergency Operations Centers and ensure that evacuation centers are prepared and ready to accommodate residents from high-risk areas.
As communities across Cebu brace for Tropical Depression Wilma, the overarching themes are caution, preparedness, and the slow, challenging recovery from recent consecutive disasters.
