Cebu City launches P45.7M landslide risk projects

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City Government has started a P45.7 million project to address landslide risks in Barangay Sirao. Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia led the groundbreaking ceremony on March 18. He emphasized that parts of the road had already collapsed, making the area dangerous. For years, geologists and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) have warned about the landslide threat in Sirao. A 2017 MGB report suggested evacuating families due to ongoing geological instability. The report highlighted the dangers, particularly during heavy rainfall, which increases the risk of landslides. The new projects include building three slope protection structures in areas prone to landslides, with a budget of over P41 million. Additionally, about P4.4 million will be spent to improve the barangay's multipurpose building for disaster response. The city is using its disaster funds to speed up these initiatives. Barangay Captain Felix Limotan welcomed the plans, calling them a long-overdue solution to Sirao's landslide problems. Residents, like Nicole Ochea, expressed relief and hope for safer travel, especially for children and grandchildren who pass through these areas daily.