Barangay Pasil seeks city funding to clear Guadalupe River banks, curb flooding

Barangay Pasil is seeking financial assistance from the Cebu City Government to clear structures along the Guadalupe River and enforce the three-meter easement required along urban waterways as part of efforts to reduce flooding in the area.

The Pasil Barangay Council unanimously approved a resolution on June 17 requesting funding for the proposed clearing and rehabilitation project. The request was formally transmitted on July 10 to Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña and the City Council for appropriate action.

The City Council subsequently referred the request to its Committee on Laws and Ordinances for review, including an assessment of its legal basis under Article 51 of Presidential Decree 1067, or the Water Code of the Philippines.

The provision requires a three-meter easement along urban rivers and streams intended to provide public space for purposes including maintenance, safety and other lawful uses.

Barangay officials said enforcing the easement would help remove obstructions along the Guadalupe River and provide additional space for water to flow during periods of heavy rainfall.

Pasil is among the communities located along the Guadalupe River that are vulnerable to flooding. Local officials said the barangay’s low-lying areas are particularly affected during heavy rains and high tides.

The proposed project would involve several activities, including land surveying, clearing of structures, relocation assistance and rehabilitation of portions of the riverbank.

Barangay Captain Francisco De Gracia said the initiative was originally proposed during a previous city administration but is now being pursued with the city government.

“Sa una pa nga admin ni nga project, karun lang namo ipa-proceed sa City Government,” De Gracia said.

The barangay has not specified a final funding requirement, saying the amount would depend on the results of the land survey and the scope of clearing and rehabilitation work that will ultimately be approved.

Officials also have yet to determine the exact number of households or structures that could be affected by the implementation of the easement.

Because the clearing operation could require residents to move from areas within the required river setback, the barangay included relocation assistance among the activities for which it is seeking financial support from the city.

Pasil officials said clearing the riverbanks would also make it easier for government personnel and equipment to conduct maintenance activities along the waterway. These could include dredging, desilting, cleaning, inspection and repairs.

Maintaining an unobstructed buffer area could also improve access to the river during emergencies and allow authorities to respond more effectively to flooding and other incidents.

The proposal is also intended to address sanitation and environmental concerns along the waterway by removing structures and other obstructions from the riverbanks.

The barangay’s request comes as Cebu City continues to examine measures aimed at improving flood control and drainage systems in communities vulnerable to heavy rainfall.

However, any clearing operation would still have to comply with applicable laws and procedures, particularly those involving affected residents and property.

The Committee on Laws and Ordinances is expected to review the legal requirements surrounding the proposed project before the City Council takes further action on the funding request.

The barangay government said the initiative is intended not only to address existing flooding concerns but also to establish a clearer and more accessible river easement that can be maintained in the long term.

If approved and implemented, the project would give the city and barangay more space to conduct maintenance along the Guadalupe River while potentially improving water flow and reducing risks to communities located near its banks.