The Cebu City Government is cracking down on upland property developers, demanding they submit comprehensive flood mitigation plans to address worsening water runoff in lowland communities.
According to city officials, out of the 65 developers operating in the city’s mountain barangays, only four met the initial deadline to submit their requirements. Officials cited the loss of natural soil absorption due to extensive upland concrete construction as a direct cause of severe downstream flooding.
Developers were given an extended deadline of August 27 to provide exact details of their detention ponds and water catchment facilities to prove their hillside projects can properly manage stormwater.
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring Cebu City’s upland areas, the ongoing developer crackdown highlights how rapid mountain construction and altered natural waterways continue to reshape the local environment and trail ecosystems.
Photo: Cebu City Public Information Office
Source: CDN Digital / The Manila Times