- 5 days ago
LIVE NOW: Today, we sit down with Elizar Sabinay Jr. of the Provincial Planning and Development Office to break down Cebu’s long-term development strategies—from the Mega Cebu Master Plan to the Metro Cebu Flood and Drainage Master Plan. He also shares insights from his work with RAFI and his role in shaping Mega Cebu’s vision for a more resilient and future-ready province.
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02:14Good afternoon, sir.
02:16Good afternoon.
02:18Good afternoon.
02:19Yes.
02:20Okay.
02:21So, you're with the…
02:22What does the provincial planning and development office do?
02:26Yeah.
02:27I'm currently assigned to the provincial planning and development office by GOVPAM.
02:32Basically, the provincial planning and its crucial role needs to recognize and acknowledges the integration of plants. That's number one.
02:42Aside to integration of plants because right now we have around 50 plus local government units within Cebu under the province of Cebu.
02:49And they have different plants.
02:51Focus on industrial, focus on agricultural.
02:53So, it's the role of the PPDO.
02:54So, it's the role of the PPDO to integrate the plants and identify the role and how can it complement each other towards one goal, which is development.
03:05That's one.
03:06One is to provide…
03:07Basically, PPDO is the technical arm of the province.
03:10We guide the governor on what to do in terms of development planning.
03:14It could be sectoral and technical.
03:16When I say technical, it's understanding our physical resources in the province and our land sources as well and our environment resources as well.
03:26So, how can we develop it in a way that it's balanced and sustainable as well?
03:31So, aside from that, we are also secretariat of all development councils such as the provincial development councils and we also review.
03:38We review and evaluate projects not just within the province but also local government units within the supervision of the province and also national government offices.
03:48It could be national funded projects.
03:49It could be regional funded projects.
03:51The province has a role in terms of evaluating projects.
03:55So, that's the role of the PPDO in terms of its function under the province of Cebu.
04:01So, there's clearly a lot of focus and then priorities as well.
04:07So, I know this is not an attempt to oversimplify but how do your office prioritize and harmonize all this?
04:17Yeah.
04:18Yeah.
04:19Under the PPDO, we need to understand the current context.
04:22In terms of planning, we need to check in that area what are things that it needs that requires the need based on what is happening now.
04:33And from that, we prioritize.
04:36Right now in Cebu, our main economic driver in the island is Metro Cebu.
04:41That provides around, if you look at the data of our recent GDP, Regional Gross Domestic Product, 70% of the growth in Region 7 is from Cebu.
04:51Cebu Island, Region 7.
04:53So, and out of that 70%, 50% of it, 50% or close to 60% is from Metro Cebu.
05:01So, that's how crucial Metro Cebu is.
05:03So, just for calibration, when you say Metro Cebu is, is this a tri-cities or?
05:08Yeah.
05:09Metro Cebu, as defined by the Regional Development Council, it's from Karkar City to Danao City.
05:15Including highly urban cities such as Cebu City, Mandawa City, and Lapu-Lapu City.
05:20Okay.
05:21So, PPDO, as to the directions of the development in the province.
05:28Yes.
05:29So, in past administrations, did the PPDO drafts in CLUP?
05:38No.
05:39It's a body.
05:40In the local government unit, they call it, I'm talking about cities and municipalities, they call it comprehensive land use plan, CLUP.
05:48Yes.
05:49But for the province, we call it provincial development and physical framework plan.
05:53So, it's quite different.
05:54That's where the integration of plan is.
05:56Oh, from the different LGUs.
05:57Yes.
05:58So, from that CLUP, we need to integrate it to a physical framework plan.
06:02Okay.
06:03So, for budgetary purposes, ang basihan anak niya, is it the annual investment plan?
06:11Yes.
06:12All the plans now is basically coming from a plan.
06:19Yes.
06:20So, that's for the province, that's the PDPFP.
06:22Okay.
06:23The provincial development and physical framework plan.
06:25Okay.
06:26For it to be actualized, that needs to be converted to provincial development and investment plan for three years.
06:33Okay.
06:34From that investment plan, it needs to be converted to annual investment plan.
06:38So, that is where your budget must be aligned.
06:41So, if you look at the alignment, it should align with your PPDFP, which is basically 10 years, 9 to 10 years.
06:47Then, from that, you cut out prioritization, which is short term, medium term, and long term.
06:52You come up with your PDIP, provincial development investment plan.
06:55And from that three years, you need to cut out which would be first.
06:59Your first year, that would be the annual investment plan, which will be the basis of the budget.
07:04So, there's the long term, there's the short term, and there's the immediate, right?
07:11Yes.
07:12So, all the developments in a city, in a local government unit, is derived from that plan?
07:18Should be.
07:19Should be, right?
07:20Should be.
07:21But, apparently, what we're seeing now is, ah, okay, that is for the local government.
07:27Where is national government coming in?
07:30The national government have also their own, that's where the alignment comes in.
07:35Because there is a national, we call it, there is a regional investment plan.
07:40The regional investment plan is like an integration of the provincial development plan.
07:44And it's a bottom up, it could be top bottom.
07:47Because the national government has its also direction.
07:49So, we need to meet somewhere in between.
07:52So, that's where the regional development council comes in.
07:54They need to integrate it and come in between, no?
07:57So, and the alignment where is RDC and that's where also the PDC will come, the provincial development council.
08:05So, the national government has its own priorities as well.
08:07So, that's where we align it to the existing provincial development plan.
08:12So, if the goal of like, let's say, province one is water.
08:16So, the national government should align themselves.
08:18This is the budget for water.
08:20But what's happening right now, it's top bottom.
08:22This is the budget of, this is the project of the national government accepted.
08:26Yeah.
08:27I'm going there.
08:28It's because, Inani, in several instances, the LGU, you'll always be thankful for the projects given by the national government.
08:37Yes.
08:38But sometimes, the kind of project they're pushing is not aligned with the priority of the local government.
08:44Yeah.
08:45Yeah.
08:46Like, for example, and the conflict.
08:47Yes.
08:48Very, very clear example.
08:51When, ilang di-improve ang road in consulasyon.
08:56I mean, it's good.
08:57You know, it's good.
08:58It's good.
08:59It's an infra project.
09:00But, wala man lang gani ni coordinate sa LGU.
09:03Ni mata na lang ang LGU the next day nga na na yung bulldozer and everything.
09:08Yeah.
09:09When, in fact, if ni-coordinate ka sa LGU, maka-plan ka for traffic, rerouting, and everything.
09:15So, less ang inconvenience to the commuters.
09:19Not just for the local government, but the people who will be passing that road.
09:24I've heard that there was, or there is, or there will be, sorry, depends on your answer,
09:30an ordinance that's supposed to address that.
09:33Is it already existing, or is that something that is yet to be done?
09:40There is a provincial ordinance.
09:42Yes.
09:43Requiring all national government agencies to really consult, not inform.
09:48Because inform and consult is two different things.
09:50Two different things.
09:51You need to consult, and if the LGU said no, it's no.
09:54But before that ordinance, there's already the system itself, the setup itself.
09:59And every LGU there is what they call as local development council.
10:02Yes.
10:03And that local development council, 20% of it are private sector.
10:07So, all national government agencies should present to that local development council their plans,
10:12their implementation timeline, and how much is the budget.
10:15And the LDC should endorse it for approval to the provincial development council and the RDC.
10:21And that's the time they can come up with the implementation of the project.
10:24But given the case in Consolacion, there was also a similar case in Talisay, SRP.
10:32There's also one going to Busay.
10:36Yes.
10:37So, these are three examples.
10:38Yeah.
10:39So, how is that?
10:40So, obviously, at least for the three cases, the ordinance was not enforced.
10:45Yes.
10:46So, how can we change that moving forward?
10:48There is already a system.
10:50There's already a system.
10:51There's already a system.
10:52But the problem is,
10:54don't follow the national government.
10:55That's why I'm asking.
10:56Bypass.
10:57There's a bypass.
10:58There's a bypass.
10:59The national government, oh, take it or leave it.
11:01Yeah.
11:02So, maybe I'm going to...
11:03Because, if only, you know, follow it, the insertions will never happen.
11:07But, how can we do this differently now?
11:10Okay.
11:11At least there are three examples, man, that it was not followed, even if it's already there.
11:15So, how can we change this situation?
11:17Yeah.
11:18That's where the Project Monitoring Committee is.
11:20Okay.
11:21The Project Monitoring Committee would come.
11:22What's the plan?
11:23This is your plan.
11:24And the Project Monitoring Committee needs to call.
11:26Not needs to, but NGA should submit their plans to the Project Monitoring Committee.
11:30The Project Monitoring Committee should be the one deciding, oh, it's a go or not.
11:34And if it's ongoing.
11:36Okay.
11:37Implement that without knowing the LGU.
11:39The Project Monitoring Committee can say, no, stop that.
11:41Let's see.
11:42So, where is it?
11:43Where is it?
11:44The responsibility is both the national government or the local government.
11:49Yes.
11:50Yes.
11:51If the local government is going to ban the territory, then it's going to stop.
11:56Stop it, right?
11:57Correct.
11:58Stop it.
11:59But, it's only going to stop.
12:00And then, we can already say that moving forward, this is going to be enforced now.
12:07In fact, when I was still with Mega Cebu, not yet with the province, what we did is, all
12:11the projects should be integrated.
12:12So, it must be endorsed by Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board.
12:15I'm talking about projects interlocal.
12:17So, we're able to endorse it to the RDC, Regional Development Council.
12:20We're able to ask budget for it.
12:22It was part of the Regional Investment Plan, Regional Development Investment Plan, RDIP.
12:27And we were able, I'm talking about the budget process.
12:29This is how the budget process works.
12:31We're able to identify what are Mega Cebu projects that needs funding.
12:36For the past, let's say 2019 and below, we're able to get projects and funding as well,
12:42endorsed by the RDC.
12:43And from there, from the RDC, it becomes a national expenditure program.
12:47That's the NEP.
12:48So, most of our projects are in the NEP.
12:51But, the NEP is where the, that would be the reference or basis of the Congress deliberations.
12:58So, that's where the insertions happens.
13:00Now, you mentioned earlier of the Mega Cebu.
13:04Is Mega Cebu still around?
13:06Mega Cebu is still around.
13:08Yes, I can say Mega Cebu is still around because for the past months and days,
13:13we are, I'm working with Mega, I just recently connected with the province.
13:16I'm also working with Mega Cebu before.
13:18But we are not visible because the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board was not convened.
13:23So, we can't bring in the name Mega Cebu because Mega Cebu is a name or a program by MCDCB.
13:30Since MCDCB is not convened, we can't bring Mega Cebu.
13:33So, I'm bringing my own foundation, which is Cebu Leads Foundation.
13:36And we're working, we're following up all Mega Cebu approved projects already because there is approved projects.
13:42But MCDCB, why is MCDCB not convened? New elected officials? Who should be the member of the board?
13:51Right now, the board is composed by, it is chaired basically.
13:54Whoever sits as the governor basically sits as the chair.
13:57So, the chair has always the power to convene.
14:01So, he or she has always the power to say, let's convene.
14:05So, for the past, since we started April 2011, Gov Gwen, Gov Davide, Gov Agnes, then Davide again, then Gwen again.
14:16It's convened because it's really the shot of the governor.
14:18But 2019 and above, it never convenes.
14:21So, we tried to check Gov can we have, but it's never convened.
14:25So, we can't convene on our own without the approval of the chair.
14:28So, now, if we are to attempt at integrating all the plans that you said, there's long-term, there's medium-term, and then there's immediate.
14:38And then the provincial government already expressed that this is, Mega Cebu master plan is going to be revived, if that's the term.
14:48Where will the plan be integrated?
14:53Is it like, can it still catch up with the annual plan?
14:58Or we're going to have to wait for the next cycle for the medium-term plan?
15:03Right now, the alignment really adjusts on what is happening now.
15:08If you look at development, it's too fast.
15:10As we always say in the Mega Cebu, the goal could be the same.
15:15Business strategies could be changed.
15:18And we can be based on what is happening now and in the coming years.
15:22So, we're open to that Mega Cebu framers.
15:25As long as we have the same goal, we need to have a long-term plan that needs to be connected to each other.
15:30Because we can't solve this problem one LG at a time.
15:33It's very difficult.
15:34So, Mega Cebu would be reactivated through GOVPAM's leadership, but it would be on an evolving form.
15:42Because, as initially discussed with GOVPAM, there will be municipalities that will be included, additional.
15:49So, Metro Cebu will be expanded?
15:51Expanded, yes.
15:52Maybe, like, how many LGUs?
15:54We're looking at two LGUs, two or three LGUs.
15:57From north or south?
15:59West.
16:00I was about to ask.
16:01Yes.
16:02Because it looks like they're the ones excluded.
16:04Yeah.
16:05The western seaboard.
16:06Tulito, Colombo.
16:07Yeah.
16:08There's so much development there.
16:10Yeah.
16:11And it needs to connect.
16:12And also, issues now are interrelated.
16:14Because what's happening to Balamban, and if you look at Astorias, they're heavily damaged.
16:18They're also affected.
16:19Because they were not accessible.
16:20They were not accessible.
16:21So, that needs to be considered.
16:22Because the Metro Cebu West is also contributing a lot, aside from livelihood, but also to the
16:31economic development.
16:32Tunishe, for example.
16:33Tunishe, for example.
16:34I'm afraid it's going on.
16:35Yeah.
16:36And that's how you distribute growth.
16:37Don't concentrate yourself to the three cities alone.
16:39You need to distribute it.
16:40In the Mega Cebu road, we identified secondary growth.
16:44So, we have identified the Now City and Naga.
16:46But even the Now City and Naga is also consistent.
16:48We need to look for another alternative to distribute growth.
16:51So, that's why Metro Cebu West.
16:53The Mega Cebu plan ideally looks at the entire island of Cebu.
16:57Because by 2050, the projection in terms of population is 12 million.
17:02So, that's why we need to distribute people.
17:05And 10 million and above, that is already a megacity.
17:08That's why we term it Mega Cebu.
17:10So, that's anticipation that this will be Cebu by 2050, 12 million.
17:13So, how can we prepare for it?
17:15So, you mentioned that Mega Cebu remained active, but it's the development board, no?
17:23That was not convened.
17:24Yes.
17:25So, on the context of Mega Cebu, as far as the data and the information that was considered to that plan, it also remained updated through time.
17:35Some of it were updated because the Mega Cebu Master Plan serve as our guide in terms of what will be our short-term, medium-term, long-term projects.
17:44The medium-term are different master plans.
17:46So, as you know, part of the Mega Cebu Master Plan is the integrated flood control and green system master plan, which is what we have now in 2017.
17:54So, all the updated data in the Mega Cebu Master Plan 2015 is updated in 2017.
17:59All the data in 2015 in relation to transport and traffic management is also updated based on our urban transport master plan in 2019.
18:08So, there are sub-roadmaps within that master plan that is updated because there are offshoot master plans based on that particular concern.
18:18So, this is not to point the finger, no?
18:22But this is to learn the lesson.
18:24Yeah.
18:25That's the context of the question.
18:26So, and to also address the urgency, no?
18:29Of the Mega Cebu Master Plan.
18:32So, if ever the board was sustained through time, meaning they remained active because Mega Cebu is already still active, no?
18:42What could have been prevented given the recent flooding that happened because of Typhoon Tino?
18:50Yeah.
18:51When we had this discussion with Mega Cebu framers, our assumption if MCDCB was there, even now, if MCDCB was present, because we are on top.
19:00We are on top of oversight of the implementation of the Integrated Generation Flood Control Master Plan.
19:05We met them every month.
19:07We question why there's a slippage, why there's a delay.
19:09We're on top of that.
19:10But 2019 and above, we don't have already a say.
19:13So, then our assumption 50% of the Master Plan would be implemented.
19:19But right now, what's the percentage of the Master Plan being implemented?
19:24It's just 10%.
19:25Oh, boy.
19:26Yeah.
19:27So, moving forward, what's our chance of that Master Plan?
19:31I mean, we spent millions of pesos for that Master Plan.
19:34So, it's there for a reason.
19:35It's not there just to be subject of a study of urban planners.
19:40But it's there for a reason.
19:41How are we going to make use of that plan to correct, if not to catch up with the development that is happening now?
19:49Yes.
19:50And we need also to identify strategically in the Master Plan what needs to be prioritized.
19:54Because in the Master Plan, there are a lot of proposals.
19:56It could be drainage.
19:57It could be flood control.
19:58But right now, what we are seeing is the upstream.
20:00And in the Master Plan, they suggested multiple dams.
20:03They suggested nine, eight to nine dams.
20:05If we implement it, probably the flash flood would be prevented.
20:10Because we are suspending them upstream.
20:12So, that's one of the proposals of the Master Plan.
20:15The problem before, when MCTCB was existing, national government agencies and even private sector find it too expensive.
20:22Like, for example, in 2016, 2015, the construction of Managadam II is five billion.
20:30Five billion pesos.
20:31Okay.
20:32At that time, it was very expensive.
20:35Now, it's more expensive.
20:37Yes.
20:38Around 7 billion, probably.
20:39Well, I can afford that because the total cost of project for the four dams, for the four rivers, is about 10.6 billion.
20:49Yes.
20:50Yeah.
20:51Yeah.
20:52Yeah.
20:53So, aside from that, it also needs to review the design and also the actual construction itself.
20:59And this requires also the counterparting, the project monitoring committee to the provincial and also to the local government.
21:05Because it requires eyes on the ground.
21:07And it must be done by an external, but an external, so that we can see everything.
21:14So, for the dams as proposed, right now, GOPAM really is proposing for the construction of the four dams.
21:22Because if you look at Metro Manila, most of the dams there, major dams, are constructed by the national government.
21:28They fund it.
21:29So, why not Cebu?
21:30Right?
21:31So, that's always our question.
21:32Why did you fund it?
21:33And Cebu delay.
21:34And that dam does not just suspend water, but also contribute to our water supply, which is one of our crisis now.
21:39Considering that Cebu is very dependent on surface water and the aquifer, which is really very challenging now.
21:48So, you need to catch the water while it's still there.
21:52It should be.
21:53And distribute it once it's the hot season.
21:55They're sorted.
21:56Yeah.
21:57Yeah.
21:58So, I can't believe from 2019, how many years is that?
22:072020?
22:08Six years ago.
22:09Six years ago.
22:10We have not done anything.
22:13Ten percent lang.
22:14If only ba, naka-catch up ganun ta ang government sa developments.
22:18Maybe ang mga tao karoon could have not suffered that much traffic, garbage collection.
22:24Yeah.
22:25Or water shortage.
22:26Water shortage.
22:27Every summer.
22:28Yeah.
22:29Every periña langit siya.
22:30Oh, here we go again.
22:32And now I remember my question.
22:34Because last week, the Vice Governor endorsed the Metro Cebu Integrated Flood Control and Drainage Master Plan.
22:47And then on the same day also, the Governor also endorsed Mega Cebu Master Plan.
22:52And in that conversation, the following day, we realized that the two are not necessarily fragmented.
22:58They are.
22:59Already existing.
23:00And they are also related.
23:01Yes.
23:02To articulate that better.
23:03Yeah.
23:04So that our viewers can also help in terms of endorsing these.
23:09Yeah.
23:10Master plans.
23:11Yeah.
23:12So maybe we'll start from the, where does the discussion started, no?
23:17The creation of the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board, way back April 1, 2011, through a Memorandum of Agreement, really started in 2009.
23:26The discussion.
23:27Why?
23:28If you remember the flooding that happened since SM City Cebu.
23:342009.
23:35I remember that.
23:36Then he sued you to SM.
23:37I remember that.
23:38Then SM City Cebu is a boundary of Cebu City and Mandawa City.
23:43And that's where the private sector, together with the leaders at that time, Mayor Mike, and even Goguen, who we need to sit down together and address this.
23:52Because we can say, oh, Baha.
23:53It's the end of Cebu City because this is Mandawa.
23:55Issues does not respect political boundaries.
23:58Boundaries does not.
23:59So we need to work together.
24:01That's why MCD Cebu was created.
24:03By that time, 2012, moving forward, that's where the discussion on, how can we address this?
24:08Let's come up with a master plan.
24:10So 2012 pa na.
24:112012, 2013, grabbing the discussion in terms of what would be the inclusion of the master plan.
24:162014, we were able to get an audience from, before that time, Secretary Rogelio Singzon of DPWH.
24:24That's the time we asked them, Secretary, we approved this resolution under MCD-CB back in 2012.
24:30We need to have a master plan addressing our flooding here in Cebu.
24:34During that time, the name of the master plan was storm water management.
24:37Drainage and storm water management master plan.
24:40Because these are storm water.
24:42So it's storm water that we proposed in MCD-CB.
24:47So in 2015, it was budgeted.
24:49It started the study.
24:51Then it was completed 2017 under the sub roadmap of the Mega Cebu plan on storm water management.
24:57So it is part of, because in the Mega Cebu master plan, there are seven sub road maps.
25:02Part of it is the sub roadmap on storm water management and drainage system.
25:07So one of its short term recommendation, again, as I mentioned before, every master plan has it,
25:12every sub roadmap has its own master plan for it to be guided.
25:15So this storm water management and drainage system, its master plan was part of the short-term request of MCD-CB to DPWH.
25:26And fortunately, Secretary of Real Singson approves the request.
25:30It started 2015, and it was published 2017.
25:33But before it published, we were able to ask for around 600 to 700 million budget to fund flood control projects in 2016.
25:41So from 2016 to 2019, MCD-CB was able to influence DPWH through the help of RDC, the province, and the local government units to provide us funding to fund the master plan.
25:52We're able to get 2.2 billion pesos, 2019 to 20, 2016 to 2019.
25:59But that 2016 to 2019 is just 4% of the total proposal of the master plan,
26:04because the master plan itself cost us 45 billion pesos.
26:08So if we implement it on an annual basis, and we want to compete it, it will take Siguro 40 years for us to implement it.
26:15So with this Pleno now, that could be prevented if we continue the monitoring.
26:20We continue the oversight.
26:23Because every month, DPWH recognizes that it was MCD-CB's request.
26:29So there was really, Secretary of Real Singson really created a project management office from the national.
26:36The office gives us a regional to report to MCD-CB.
26:41Every month, report, not just every month, but every quarter,
26:45there's one month, not twice, you know, report to MCD-CB.
26:48Just to report the progress.
26:49Do we have budget for next year? That's too short. Let's request again.
26:52That's the discussion all about.
26:54So if we have done that 2019 moving forward, probably 50% of master plan would be implemented.
26:59I agree. Before, I used to cover the Infrastructure Utilities Committee of the RDC.
27:04They report the slippage of the projects.
27:08That means, oh, you're supposed to finish by 2026.
27:11In December, you're still at 37%.
27:14The contractors, they have a penalty for their slippage.
27:20Correct.
27:21So right now, I'm not sure who is monitoring, maybe DPWH Langsad.
27:25But they also have their own projects which are not necessarily aligned to the master plan.
27:30But they should be able to do that.
27:33But Mona, I think her name is Reactivate Girl.
27:38As in, I-reactivate and strongly and religiously.
27:43Yes.
27:44Followed through.
27:46Move forward, Bito.
27:48It's hard for you to not cut on or lessen to these painful experiences.
27:53So we move forward, we catch up.
27:57Speaking of moving forward.
27:59Okay.
28:00Speaking of moving forward.
28:02So given what you just said, and correct me if I'm wrong.
28:05So when we say that the province is already endorsing both projects.
28:10So we are saying that the province is endorsing Mega Cebu Master Plan.
28:15More specifically, given the urgency of Tino, the stormwater sub, how do you call that?
28:22Sub?
28:23Stormwater Management Sub Roadmap.
28:24Sub Roadmap.
28:25So am I correct in that understanding?
28:27Yes.
28:28In fact, one of the response right now, I think this week, it will be signed
28:32an executive order creating the task force on the implementation of the Metro Cebu Drainage
28:38and Flood Control Master.
28:39That task force will be the oversight now of the implementation of that master plan.
28:44So it's like, given the overall master plan, this one, for the lack of better term, is the medium term now.
28:51Yes.
28:52Because of the urgency.
28:53Yes.
28:54Yes.
28:55But the projects under the Metro Cebu.
28:58So it didn't stop.
29:01It didn't stop.
29:02It continues.
29:03It continues.
29:04It continues.
29:05The board.
29:06So what's missing is just, what na reactivate ang board, which is supposed to monitor everything.
29:13Yes.
29:14Yes.
29:15Yes.
29:16So now, is GovPAM reactivating the board?
29:17Yes.
29:18Yes.
29:19Okay.
29:20So calling for a meeting and everything.
29:21Yeah.
29:22So now there will be a monitoring of these projects.
29:25All interlocal projects within Metro Cebu.
29:28So both national and local funded.
29:30Yes.
29:31And they should report to MCDCB.
29:33And what will happen to the other DPWH projects that are not aligned to the master plan?
29:41One of the requests of the master plan is really aligning.
29:45Yes.
29:46Not requests, but urging.
29:48Because again, there are flood control projects implemented by the regional government agencies,
29:54national, regional, and also district engineering offices.
29:57But there are also flood control projects implemented even to the local level.
30:01Yes.
30:02So one of the realization during the creation of the master plan is that if this is the design of Mandawi City,
30:09if it goes back to another LGU, it's going to work because it's different design.
30:13Yes.
30:14So that's why we need to align.
30:15So that's why the master plan provides it.
30:17But we have to admit it, based on the budget of 2025 or even 2024, it's not alignment.
30:27There's no alignment.
30:28So now, how will MCDCB resolve this that all 2025 flood control projects will be re-aligned to the master plan?
30:41For example, Malabuyuk.
30:43So small a town.
30:45And we don't know if they existed or not.
30:51Are we going to do an inventory and then check if they're re-aligned or not?
30:56That's actually the evolution of the master plan.
30:59Again, the problems right now is beyond Metro Cebu.
31:02Malabuyuk is outside Metro Cebu, but there's a lot of flooding.
31:04There's a lot of flooding.
31:05There's a lot of flooding.
31:06So even Camotes.
31:07So we need to expand it.
31:10When we did the Mega Cebu Master Plan, we are also pushing for, we call it Cebu Integrated Area Master Plan Study.
31:19It's CIAD MPS.
31:20So it's the entire island of Cebu.
31:22Island.
31:23So that should be updated because it was made by JOICA and that should be updated.
31:26So Gopam is already asking JOICA to update it.
31:29And how can we work on that?
31:30Because that should be updated.
31:32Because again, Metro Cebu is just less than a one-fourth of the island.
31:35But it doesn't mean the other areas delay.
31:38So that's why NIDSEA align the overall master plan needs to connect with the Metro Cebu master plan.
31:45So, and that includes the drainage as well.
31:48And what we're looking at, part of the updating, because the updating of the master plan, the drainage, I'm talking about the drainage is 2017.
31:55The GOPAM is already requesting DPW to update it because it's 2017.
32:01And we will also discuss with DPWH, how can we replicate this without creating another master plan Cebu-wide, but just the design replicating it to other.
32:10And can we ask DPWH national, regional, and all district engineering office here to Cebu to follow that design?
32:17Maybe they're not part of the master plan, but the design itself, can they follow it?
32:23That's the request.
32:24Because what's happening right now, it's beyond Metro Cebu.
32:28So we need to consider those areas as well.
32:30Now you mentioned about what's happening is beyond each of the LGUs.
32:35But one of the roadblocks also in the past is an inter-LGU cooperation, specifically the highly urbanized cities.
32:46So how is that going to be managed this time differently for this to move forward?
32:51Yeah.
32:52Right now, the approach is to look at it on an issue-based perspective.
32:57So that's why GOPAM is creating a task force on the implementation of the integrated drainage and flood control master plan.
33:04We will start with issue-based.
33:06The goal here is for LGUs to start working together.
33:11Although the issue cease is not under the governor, but part of the task force is the highly urbanized.
33:17It is upon invitation.
33:19So we will be also asking the Defense Sanggunian to also come up with a resolution to be part of the task force.
33:31So that would be a good start, convening them on an issue-based.
33:34Because right now, the issue now is really the flooding.
33:38Is MCDB or the Metro Cebu Master Plan, is it some kind of a safety pin?
33:44Because you cannot deny, when you talk about Metro Cebu, these are political units.
33:51Yes.
33:52Yes.
33:53And politics is, you know, it can be a trigger to development and it can also be an obstacle to development.
34:01Yes.
34:02It can be a safety pin that will ensure that, like for example, from these three years, we make sure that whoever is the next administration, it will continue.
34:15It is not something dependent on who is the sitting administration.
34:21Yes.
34:22And it happens to us.
34:23It happens to us in MCDB.
34:24There are mayors who said, I don't want to join again.
34:27But they were divided.
34:28And it happens because the MCDB was created by a MOA, a Marine of Agreement.
34:39It's a loose organization wherein the mayor can say, I don't want to join.
34:42But can it not be like MMDA?
34:45That's the goal.
34:46Because MCD-CB, part of its strategy under the 4 plus 1 development strategy is that institutional management.
34:52So under the metropolitan management, we already passed the bill creating the Mega Cebu Development Authority.
34:58What happened to that bill?
34:59It was deferred.
35:00It was sponsored.
35:01Who sponsored it?
35:02Right now, it was passed by Kong Edu Rama.
35:07And there is a counterpart in the Senate and there's Senator Amy Marcos.
35:12Oh, okay.
35:13So what we're saying is it's just a matter of passing those bills into laws.
35:20Yes.
35:21And then the M Metro Cebu Development Authority is going to be created.
35:26Yes.
35:27So that, in that way,
35:28Dili naka-dependent on who's...
35:31Yeah.
35:32That is actually, you protect from any...
35:34That's right.
35:35That's the institutional...
35:36From any politics.
35:37Yes.
35:38The mayor of Mandaway or Lapu-Lapu-Lapu-Basig didn't connect with the governor.
35:43Yeah.
35:44It happens in the MDA.
35:45We may hitabo na to.
35:46So I think, Moge is not a big issue.
35:48I'm a reporter.
35:50It's a big issue.
35:51It's a big issue.
35:52Nobody, I think, for all the Cebuanos who are watching now, I think this is the best time to push our congressmen to support and make sure this bill is passed.
36:01this bill is passed, so that the projects that we implement will be implemented by the dependent
36:10that we implement in Cebu City in any continuity
36:13and that's what we're doing here in Mandawi
36:16Remember that, there's a lot of trees that don't go down to Mandawi
36:22and you can choose before the boundary of the water
36:25So, the cooperation between LGU should be sealed with that bill
36:31So, write your congressmen and the senator
36:34And to inspire them even more to support this bill
36:38I'm sure this does not cover just the flood and drainage
36:43So, can you also articulate more what does this bill include?
36:49Yeah, the Mega Cebu Development Authority bill is really the institutional setup of MCDCB
36:55So, that's where the authority comes in
36:56Aside from being the push for projects for Cebu in the national government
37:02it can also start accepting the funding
37:05Because, as you know, Cebu is not just dependent of the national government
37:08Most of our big infrastructure projects, if either PPP, it's also international supported
37:13MCDCB as our current setup, it can do it
37:16We can coordinate, we can ask funding from Jaica because MCDCB is a loose organization
37:20Wala siya personality
37:22Wala siya personality
37:23Legal, official personality
37:25If MCDCEA is created, then we can ask funding
37:28We can work with them closely
37:29MCDA and Jaica alone, that's more than enough
37:32Because they have helped us a lot
37:34So, that could be a potential
37:35And MCDA is focusing on the seven subroutons of Mega Cebu
37:39Which includes transport and traffic, which is very important to us
37:43Under the transport and traffic, part of the Mega Cebu plan
37:45Right now, and I think this should be done yesterday
37:48It's really the rail
37:48The rail for Cebu
37:50We really need the rail for Cebu
37:51Mass transportation for Cebu is really necessary
37:54Aside from that
37:55I agree, we need it yesterday
37:57We need it yesterday
37:58Aside from that, also water supply
38:00That's actually my top one
38:02So, water supply
38:03Because the water crisis is
38:06It's like, what do you think?
38:07The people who don't have a gas at 8 o'clock at 8 o'clock at night
38:11They're willing to pay 100 pesos just one gallon for water
38:17Imagine
38:17So, but it's not
38:19It's not
38:19For me, having access to clean and clean and sufficient water is all right
38:24It's not
38:25And it's not we don't have supply
38:27We have
38:27We have
38:28It just goes all the way to the ocean, to the sea
38:31Because we're not catching them
38:33Or flood and destroy homes
38:34Yes, yes
38:36Aside from that, waste management
38:37That's the problem
38:38That's another problem
38:39When we
38:40When I did a quick visit to LGUs in the north after the typhoon
38:45One of their major problems is
38:46Where are they disposing of waste?
38:48It's the waste
38:48The waste of the waste
38:49The waste of the waste
38:50And
38:52There's no landfill in Cebu that is enough
38:56Not a private landfill
38:58But can they cover the entire island?
39:00And and and remember that the private landfill where Cebu is dumping is in the mountain area
39:06That's true
39:06And now they're having a problem because the Bakayan Bridge where supposedly add to Silamuagi is now structurally
39:14Not good so
39:16Compromised
39:17Six tons
39:18Ang allowed
39:19And then
39:19Pilaman akatunilada ang ginakargaan ang mga truck
39:23That's why there's a lot of accidents nga naitabo ka ng mga dump trucks nga tulimbang dina
39:27Because it's steep to you going there because there's no other place where you can dump your garbage
39:33Oh my god that's
39:35Yeah aside from solid waste also waste water that needs to be recognized as well
39:39Our rivers here are dead most of our rivers are dead because our waste water and our
39:45Rain water are all in the same drainage
39:47Yes, yes, yes
39:49Yeah
39:49Oh my god too much to talk about
39:51No, but the good thing about this one at least is there's already uh consolidated
39:57There's an integrated plan and there's already a framework for
40:01A board to follow through and the gap now although this is still a long shot
40:07But at least it's already there. They're already around the gap now is just to pass
40:12this into a law yeah so that the authority the development authority can be convened
40:19with a legal personality. Yeah, but in fact um
40:22well mcda is still ongoing because it requires it's a process for you to come up with a republic act
40:28in fact to shortcut it and an executive order from the president would be enough because mmda was created by an eo
40:34But before that ang ako is while waiting na busy ang presidente ka ron sa iyang kaugalingong mga issues
40:43before well, I think dali na siguro na ang pasahin ka sa eo no but uh it's good that we are already
40:50reactivating the mcdb na anang mangod siya actually the plan is already there na stop lang
40:57Yes, yes
41:05Ang katokunong nahitabo ni tino is a shout out from above saying mata na mo
41:16I already gave you ngamoonin yung buhaton but you did not listen so
41:2015 yung abab siya ramadre. Oh dili. Have you seen that video going around the guy who says oh
41:31and nandito na naman tayo. Magdadasal kayo sa akin. So umuuna siya. And I'm glad also that it can
41:38be done through an executive order because at least it hastens or it makes the process faster. Yes
41:43Pending a bill, di ba? While waiting for the bill. While waiting for the bill.
41:49Ang fund allocations mangpood later, ana, di ba? Because the fund allocations should be part of the bill. Ang eo
41:55more difficult to ask funding. Yes. That's a good point. Yes, because
41:59Naluya akong balik. No, no, it's because ang basihan mangod ni mo with the bill is the law itself.
42:06So maapart gin sa NEP. And but the good thing about the eo, there's not the legal identity.
42:12So you could now push for you. We need this. The way I see it, the low hanging fruits can already
42:19be addressed once the board convenes. The low hanging fruits. Yeah. And then it can graduate
42:25into an eo creating the authority and then eventually the bill. Yes. So I think at least
42:30there are steps that can be closed to make it happen. And that's the direction of GOBPANG. Asking
42:35the president to really sign an eo. Just to make sure that we are representing not just a loose
42:40organization but an authority to really stamp people to move forward. We had our guest, was it
42:46yesterday? Was he Bill Granert? Or two days ago? Two days ago. Two days ago. He was a conversation yesterday.
42:53Okay. Bill Granert is with, I think you're familiar with him. Yeah. I know him.
42:57A water soil expert. Yes. Water soil foundation. Yeah. So for the Bill Granerts and our viewers who
43:05are also into the development and conservation upstream. Yeah. Can you also articulate the part
43:13of the plan that would address the watersheds? Yeah. The Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board
43:20through its Mega Cebu Plan has its proposed special spatial plan. It's land use plan. So the proposed
43:27land use plan identified urban limit. Urban limit meaning that it should be protected areas.
43:36So that is the proposal of the Mega Cebu Plan which is adopted by the physical framework plan of the
43:43province way back the VD time. Was it informed? It was not adopted. It was because the proposal needs to
43:49be adapted per LGU. Because CLUP is dependent on the really local government. So identifying it as an
44:01urban limit should be down to the land use plan per local government unit. If that was approved,
44:08then development would be prevented. I always look at development like a bathtub. Your resources and your
44:15plan is bathtub. How strong is your bathtub depends on your planning. No development is the water.
44:21So if like what's happening right now. Orban's pulps. It's a customer and development.
44:25Like one of us, I was not too big because we don't have a good bathtub. We're not prepared for it.
44:32There was a suggestion create a swimming pool development. But again, we have limited resources.
44:38So Cebu alone is an elongated... And we need to create balance. Yes.
44:43So maybe we don't need to create a swimming pool but multiple baths. That's why secondary growth should
44:47be identified. Secondary...
44:49For the water to spread it. Because development could not be prevented. But we can control and manage it.
44:56If we just have followed the plan.
44:58We've also heard feedback such as low-hanging fruits. And I don't like to put you on the spot.
45:09But some of them are indeed low-hanging fruits. It's just a matter of political will. The clearance of
45:16those who are encroaching on what should have been the waterway. The floodplains.
45:21The floodplains. The floodplains. Are we going to see more action in terms of enforcing these? Because
45:29this is already known. It's just a matter of enforcing them with political will.
45:34Yeah. Yeah. I agree. When we have a discussion with DPWH, they really identify that
45:41the floodplains now were getting back to the river.
45:45Unfortunately, those affected families are within that area.
45:59So the goal now is to declare that area a new-build zone.
46:04But the challenge now, especially for the local government unit, part of their mandate is to
46:08provide housing. Where would they go? So that's a constant discussion between local government unit,
46:13the province and the national government agencies. Because they need to work together.
46:17Because it's not enough. Oh, I build a house. I build a house on top of the mountain.
46:20No, it's not enough. You need to provide school, a clinic, transportation, one new community.
46:27Yeah. But it's not a concept. It has been done by other. Iloilo has done it.
46:32There are models that we can follow. We need to work together to identify. Maybe the land area is not
46:38in your area. Maybe it's in other city. Maybe it's not in your area. Maybe it's in other city.
46:43Can we purchase it? Have it? At least do all the effort within the city. And how can the province help?
46:48Oh, we'll provide transportation. We'll provide a route for you. Going to that. Going down.
46:52Because once there are people, development happens.
46:54For example, if you're in a city, you're in a city, you're in a car, you're in a car, you're in a car, you're in a car, you're in a car, you're in a car, you're in a car.
47:01You're in a convenience store.
47:03But it must be near within the city core. So there's an ongoing discussion. And based on our discussion with DPWH,
47:10if the LGU finds it difficult to declare it no-build zone, DPWH can declare it on their own.
47:14So it's really packed to build zone. That's it. The local government should be prepared. Where would
47:21these people go? Where would these people go? Again, these are your constituents that need to be considered.
47:25I think the UK and political will, like for example, the Villa Azela in Kotkot, floodplains for real estate
47:35development is good. So how did it happen? That's why the titles are legal to construct.
47:40So that's why we're going back to enforcement. So, well, what we can do in media is just really
47:50to call out. And also to advise people, if you want to purchase land in the future, please consider
47:58areas that is suitable for residential. Don't just be attracted because it's cheap, it's 5,000 per month.
48:04For the safety of the family, always consider what's the land use classification that there is. Is that
48:07residential? Is it agricultural? So that needs to be identified. You need to ask for residential meaning
48:13it's good for residential.
48:15We really need to help our viewers.
48:19It's like a checklist when you invest a house. It's not just the cost.
48:24It's not just the cost. We recently have a guest
48:29guest of a housing in Menglanillia.
48:35Yeah, I'm aware of that.
48:37because it's cheap. So I think it applies. If it's too good to be true, it must be too good to be true.
48:44So dig deeper.
48:45So dig deeper.
48:49So that will be another interview with you, sir.
48:53So I hope, you know, very insightful.
49:00It's just the flood control.
49:04Traffic is one, one hour discussion.
49:07Like right now, Cebu City has implemented four new roads in connection with BRT.
49:16Yeah, I was about to mention it when he mentioned the rail, but later, no, in this episode.
49:22There were a lot of people saying,
49:24what is BRT? You didn't have a rail yet?
49:27That's why you're listening to it.
49:30Okay, don't worry. That's another day of interview with Sir Elizar.
49:37But we don't have enough time.
49:39We would like to thank everybody for watching.
49:43That wraps up this edition of Beyond the Headlines.
49:46We hope today's conversation helps shed light on the bigger picture behind the story.
49:52And we'd like to thank our guest, Elizar Sabinay Jr.,
49:55for helping us connect the dots in ways that matter.
49:59I'm Mildred Galarpe.
50:01And I'm DJ Moises.
50:02Thank you, and good afternoon.
50:13Thanks for listening.
50:21Bye.
50:25Bye.
50:27Bye.
50:29Bye.
50:31Bye.
50:33Bye.
50:35Bye.
50:39Bye.
50:41Bye.
50:57Bye.
51:01Bye.
51:07Bye.
51:08Bye.
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