Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has issued an urgent directive for all barangays to immediately pinpoint potential relocation sites within their areas. This critical move aims to expedite the transfer of families who continue to reside in classrooms and temporary shelters, weeks after the devastating impact of typhoon Tino.
Urgent Search for Safe Ground
The order was delivered by Mayor Archival during a special meeting of the Cebu City Development Council held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino. The assembly brought together barangay captains, city department heads, and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to address pressing rehabilitation issues.
Archival explicitly instructed local officials to "Look for areas that the City can purchase." He emphasized the immediate need to identify possible relocation sites to move affected families away from danger zones and the temporary shelters they currently occupy.
A primary concern driving this directive is the continued use of schools as evacuation centers. Teachers have appealed for classrooms to be cleared as soon as possible to resume normal academic activities. For instance, Barangay Bacayan reported housing more than 500 affected residents, though these numbers are still pending official validation.
Rehabilitation Efforts and Project Review
In a positive development, Acting Vice Mayor Winston Pepito identified a potential three-hectare site in Barangay San Jose for the relocation effort. Franklyn Ong, President of the Association of Barangay Councils, assured that barangay leaders are prepared to assist, acknowledging their "critical" role in accelerating the city's recovery.
The council meeting also involved a significant review of over P1.5 billion worth of long-delayed Local Development Fund (LDF) projects, with some initiatives dating as far back as 2016. Mayor Archival pointed out that many of these older projects "can no longer be optimized" due to outdated priorities and evolving policies. A reassessment is planned once the City’s Enhanced Implementing Plan receives approval this month.
Addressing Regulatory Hurdles
Another key issue discussed was the inconsistent application of easement measurements along the city's rivers and creeks. Architect Anne Cuizon of the City Planning and Development Office reaffirmed the mandatory three-meter easement rule. However, Mayor Archival highlighted discrepancies caused by DPWH flood-mitigation structures that have altered natural riverbanks.
To resolve this, he has instructed engineers to physically verify markers on the ground, ensuring that all regulations are based on correct and current reference points.
Mayor Archival also pressed barangay captains to finalize and submit their comprehensive rehabilitation plans without delay. He reminded them that 70 percent of their financial assistance is earmarked for these rehabilitation projects, urging those without completed plans to finish them "as quickly as possible."
