Cebu City officials are conducting an urgent review of more than P1.5 billion worth of Local Development Fund (LDF) projects that have remained unimplemented since 2016. The special assessment aims to accelerate recovery efforts for communities devastated by Typhoon Tino.
Emergency Session Addresses Funding Delays
The Cebu City Development Council (CCDC) held a special meeting at Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino, presided over by Mayor Nestor Archival alongside ABC President Franklyn Ong, barangay captains, DPWH representatives, CCDC members, and City Hall department heads.
Mayor Archival revealed that many LDF projects have been pending for nearly a decade, rendering them potentially obsolete due to changing regulations, implementation delays, and shifting development priorities. He confirmed these projects would be formally scrapped once the city approves its Enhanced Implementing Plan (EIP).
Relocation Becomes Immediate Priority
The primary concern identified during the session involves relocating families currently occupying schools and temporary shelters. Mayor Archival strongly encouraged barangay officials to identify available land that the city could purchase for permanent relocation sites, particularly for families living in danger zones.
"Mangita mo'g lugar nga mapalit. We need you to identify possible areas for relocation so we can move our affected families out of danger zones and temporary shelters," the mayor told barangay officials.
Barangay Bacayan reported over 500 affected individuals requiring assistance, while teachers appealed for immediate classroom repairs to resume normal academic activities.
Proposed Solutions and Implementation Guidelines
Acting Vice Mayor Winston Pepito suggested a three-hectare property in Barangay San Jose as a potential relocation site. ABC President Franklyn Ong pledged full support to barangays throughout the implementation process.
Architect Anne Cuizon from the City Planning and Development Office reminded officials about the mandatory three-meter easement from natural waterways that must be observed in all planning.
Mayor Archival urged barangay captains to complete and submit their relocation plans immediately. The special CCDC session also included updates on city utilization initiatives and a review of remaining LDF items received by the current administration.
