The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) took a bold step against flooding with the installation of a rainwater catchment facility outside the Cebu Chamber Centre, bringing the Flood Hero Cebu Movement from advocacy to action.
Launched on September 27 at the Cebu Coliseum, the movement calls for a city-wide, multi-sector approach to flood mitigation, waterway protection, and sustainable environmental practices-issues that directly affect businesses, livelihoods, and Cebuβs investment potential.
βThis is more than an installation. It is a statement: we will not stop until Cebu is flood-free and climate-resilient. Flooding impacts our economy, our people, and our cityβs future. Action is urgent,β said CCCI President Jay Y. Yuvallos.
The facility employs EcoBloc, a German-engineered stormwater management system that captures rainwater, replenishes groundwater, and prevents flooding, while making water available for irrigation and industrial use.
Cost-effective and efficient, the system is priced between β±30,000ββ±40,000, can be implemented up to 80% faster than conventional methods, and requires minimal excavation.
βThis addresses an urgent need for detention tanks while leveraging advanced technology alongside traditional solutions,β said CCCI VP for Business Development Bernard Sia.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, present at the ceremony, lauded the initiative, and revealed plans to install similar systems across barangays:
βThis is highly effective, easy to implement, and cost-efficient. Imagine the volume of water we can capture citywide!β
Sia added, βExperts like Dr. Jaque and Architect Palafox have long emphasized detention tanks as key to flood mitigation. The mayorβs plan is practical, immediate, and visible to the community: a smart move.β
By turning advocacy into action, CCCI continues to lead the Flood Hero Cebu Movement, showing that proactive, sustainable solutions can protect lives, livelihoods, and Cebuβs future.
