“LOOKING at the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, we also share a bigger responsibility in solving the problems of our drainage system in the city. We cannot just simply leave this to the DPWH or any national agency for that matter.”
This was pointed out by Councilor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez in her special report during the City Council regular session Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy relative to the perennial flooding problem in national and city-maintained roads.
According to the councilor, it is high time now for the city to come up with an ordinance that will institutionalize the coordination between the city government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the planning, review and in the implementation of its drainage system and anti-flood control projects.
“From the exchanges of information we received, I could not see a concrete solution to the flooding problems in the city. The people of Cagayan de Oro City will still be suffering from it,” cited the councilor in reference to the invitation to and discussions made with the representatives of the DPWH district offices last regular session, August 10, 2020.
In view of this, Councilor Rodriguez submitted a proposed ordinance creating the Cagayan de Oro Flood Advisory Council, defining its functions and composition.
She said the intention of the proposed ordinance is to protect the lives and health of the people; harmonize the drainage system and flood control projects of the city government and the DPWH; ensure the effective and efficient utilization of public resources to minimize losses brought about by flooding and to prevent public expenditures for costly and useless flood control projects.
The proposed Council shall be responsible for the formulation of policies and for reviewing programs related to the city’s drainage system for the purpose of protecting human life, health, and property, minimize public expenditures on costly flood-control projects, mitigate prolonged business interruptions and to make Cagayan de Oro a “flood-free city.”
It shall be composed of the City Mayor (chairperson), DPWH Regional Director (co-chair), City Vice Mayor (vice-chair), and the chairman of the City Council committee on infrastructure, CEO Department Head, CPDO Department Head and City Administrator as members.
The functions and duties of the council are to review, assess, evaluate and monitor the plans, programs including the implementation of the drainage and anti-flood projects in the city by the DPWH and the city government of Cagayan de Oro.
It shall also advocate for transparency and accountability in the implementation of the projects, conduct consultation with the public and other stakeholders, among others.
The proposed ordinance was referred to the committee on public works chaired by Councilor Zaldy O. Ocon for appropriate action. (SP)
