Following the July 30 flooding, Cebu City plans to acquire a one-hectare property in the Tisa-Labangon area to serve as a floodwater reservoir while reviewing its 2017 Drainage Master Plan.
City officials said narrowed waterways, garbage-clogged drainage, and increased runoff from upland developments have contributed to flooding in downstream communities. Some natural channels that were once six to 10 feet wide have reportedly narrowed to around three feet, reducing their capacity to carry stormwater during heavy rain.
The proposed reservoir is intended to temporarily store excess rainwater before it reaches flood-prone communities. The City also plans to inspect upland developments to determine whether additional catchment facilities are needed to better manage runoff.
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the announcement serves as a reminder that what happens in Cebu’s uplands can directly affect rivers, road conditions, and communities downstream. Watersheds extend far beyond individual trails, making responsible land use and drainage management important to both public safety and the natural environments.
Source: SunStar Cebu, Shrinking rivers fuel city floods, August 3, 2026.