Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 3927

Introduced by Representative EDUARDO R. RAMA JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

ate to

Article II, Section 9 and Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution mandates the
promote a rising standard of living and ensure access to quality essential public services, which
necessarily includes safeguarding communities from preventable hazards like flooding, Metro
Cebu's rapid urbanization, constrained drainage corridors, and watershed pressures have amplified
flood risks across city boundaries, underscoring the need for a coordinated, multi-jurisdictional

solution.

Recent flooding incidents underscore the urgency for the passage of this legislative measure. On
18-19 August 2025, Cebu City recorded waist-deep flooding along inner barangay roads,
prompting calls to activate disaster response teams. A habagat-induced downpour on 16 July 2025
caused widespread flooding across Metro Cebu. Moreover, in 2024 similar flooding incidents took
place within the months of June ~ August, highlighting the worsening, flood situation in Cebu. As
a result of these incidents, commuters were left stranded for several hours, their homes were

flooded, roads were impassable, and property extensively damaged.

While the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local governments have
undertaken multiple flood mitigation initiatives, these efforts remain fragmented across river
basins that cut through multiple LGUs. At present the existence of several projects along major
waterways such as Butuanon River and Mahiga Creek in and around the Cities of Cebu and

‘Mandaue; yet the continued occurrence of flooding in the event of moderate to high volumes of


rain, show that a project-by-project approach is insufficient without a comprehensive plan, with

unified standards, policy and the dredging and maintenance of drainage systems on a regular basis.

This bill therefore proposes the creation of a Metro Cebu Flood Control Master Plan covering
the Cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Talisay, and subject LGUs that should be included in the said

master plan, based on a proper assessment.

Given the harrowing effects of the escalating flood situation in Metro Cebu, an integrated master
plan is both timely and indispensable. ‘Therefore, the immediate passage of this bill is camestly

sought.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

REP. EDUARDO R. RAMA JR.
2" District, City of Cebu


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3937

Introduced by Representative EDUARDO R. RAMA JR.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A METRO CEBU SYNCHRONIZED DRAINAGE AND FLOOD
CONTROL MASTER PLAN, MANDATING THE INTEGRATION OF LOCAL AND
NATIONAL INTERVENTIONS INTO A COORDINATED FRAMEWORK, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the Hause of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Metro Cebu Flood Control

‘Master Plan Act."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
implement a unified drainage and flood control master plan for Metro Cebu that is sustainable,
science based, climate-resilient, technically interconnected, and capable of reducing flood risks

through collaborative governance.

SECTION 3. Creation of a Master Plan. \ synchronized Metro Cebu Flood Control and

Mitigation Master Plan shall be jointly formulated and implemented hy the Department of Public

Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with the Local Government Units of Cebu
Mandaue City, and Talisay City, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DINR),
and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Provided that, the DPWH may

recommend, under its expertise and assessment that the coverage of the Master Plan shall include


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neighboring 1 Provided further, that the DPWH shall coordinate with the aforementioned

LGUs.

SECTION 4. Scope and Components of the Master Plan - For purposes of this Act,

the Master Plan shall include:

a) Mapping of existing and planned drainage systems, waterways, and flood-prone

zones;

b) Harmonized engineering standards across all LGUs, including a proposal for the
maintenance and dredging of drainage systems in regular intervals per subject LGU;

©) Prioritization of projects based on vulnerability, connectivity, and urban density;

4d) Integration of climate data and sustainable drainage techniques; and

©) Public disclosure and regular technical audits of implementation progress.

SECTION 5. Institutional Roles. - Pursuant to the objectives of this Act, the various

government institutions of the Philippines shall have the following obligations:

a) ‘The DPWH shall serve as the lead agency for planning, implementation, and Evaluation:

)) ‘The DILG shall manage inter-agency and inter-LGU coordination and shall ensure local
compliance and policy alignment;

©) The DENR shall provide ecological and hydrological data support;

d) ‘The LGUs shall align their drainage plans, ordinances, and local budgets with the master
plan;

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within nincty (90) days from the
cffectivity of this Act, the DPWH, in consultation and coordination with the DULG, DENR and
other concerned agencies, shall promulgate the IRR necessary for the effective implementation of

this Act, in consultation with the subject LGUs.

SECTION 7. Appropriations. The initial funding for the implementation of this Act shall
be sourced from existing appropriations of the DPWH, and shall be included in the annual General

Appropriations Act thereafter.


SECTION 8. Separability Clause.- If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or

unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules,
regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby

repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication

in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved,