Cebu archbishop urges ‘honest’ flood control programs

Archdiocese of Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy appealed Tuesday to government officials, developers, businesses and the public to prioritize environmental protection and sustainable development after recent heavy rains caused widespread flooding across Metro Cebu.

“Development must always respect creation and protect human life. Sustainable development is not an obstacle to growth, it is the only path to lasting progress,” Uy said.

The archbishop urged government leaders to focus on long-term flood mitigation by preserving forests, protecting waters, restoring rivers, improving drainage, enforcing environmental laws and ensuring flood-control projects are executed with transparency, competence and integrity.

“Public funds intended to protect lives must never be compromised by corruption or poor planning,” Uy said.

The appeal follows a severe downpour on 30 July, when the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office estimated that rainfall equivalent to about nine Olympic-size swimming pools fell on Cebu City in two hours.

The deluge overwhelmed drainage systems, flooded urban neighborhoods and stranded students and motorists. Official records show about 22.2 millimeters of rain fell over Cebu and Mandaue cities, while Lapu-Lapu City recorded about 9 millimeters.

Floodwaters carried mud, construction debris and large amounts of garbage indicating that clogged drainage canals worsened the inundation. Hard-hit areas included Barangays Tisa, Guadalupe, Lahug, Bulacao and Basak Pardo, where several roads became impassable and vehicles were stranded.

Uy called on developers and landowners to balance profitability with responsibility, while encouraging businesses to adopt environmentally responsible practices and support disaster preparedness initiatives.

“The recent floods remind us that everything is connected. When we care for creation, we protect human life. When we protect human life, we honor our creator,” Uy said, reminding residents that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility.