A raft made from styrofoam, plywood, and rope became the temporary lifeline for residents of a flooded residential compound in Barangay Cabancalan, Mandaue City, as days of heavy rain left students and workers struggling to get in and out of their homes.
Resident Christine Cagara said on Thursday, July 30, that residents decided to build the improvised raft after floodwaters remained high for several days, making it unsafe to cross the area on foot.
Cagara, who recorded a video of her child riding the raft, said the flooding started on Monday, July 27, after continuous rainfall over the weekend.
“Pag-weekend nagsabot mi sa taga-compound kung unsaon namo kay risgo man gud,” Cagara said.
She said residents agreed to create the raft to help children and workers safely cross the flooded area.
According to Cagara, the flooding began after rains that started on Friday, July 24, continued throughout the weekend, causing water levels to rise instead of recede.
The raft was used to fetch her son as it became the only available way to enter and leave the compound.
After several days of walking through floodwaters, residents became concerned about possible health risks from prolonged exposure to stagnant water, with some already taking medication.
“Mao to nga naghimo nalang mi og balsa-balsa. Kay di pwede nga mu-absent pa gyud ang mga bata kay pila na ka days,” she said.
Cagara said the compound has its own water pump, but it was not enough to drain the accumulated floodwater.
She added that the area serves as a catch basin for water coming from Sitio Nasipit in Barangay Talamban, Cebu City. A swamp located behind the compound also contributes to the flooding.
While the barangay provided assistance, Cagara said the measures were not enough because the swamp remained filled with water.
She sought assistance from the Office of Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano, which coordinated with the barangay and deployed an additional water pump.
“In fairness ni-reply man sad ang Office ni Mayor Jonkie Ouano, gi-forward sa barangay ug nag-meeting,” Cagara said.
She said floodwaters easily enter their low-lying compound whenever the water level in the swamp rises.
Cagara recalled that water first entered the area on Friday, July 24, but worsened after continuous rain the following day and additional runoff from Sitio Nasipit.
“Wala gyud mi way nga makagawas mi sa gate namo, maong amo nalang gyud gipangitaan og paagi, naghimo nalang mi og balsa para mapagawas mi,” she said.
Floodwaters eventually subsided on Tuesday, July 28, following pumping operations conducted by the barangay and city government.
However, residents kept the makeshift raft as a precaution in case heavy rains cause another round of flooding.
Some homeowners have also raised their perimeter walls to prevent floodwater from entering their properties.
Cagara said residents remain concerned about possible cases of leptospirosis and dengue due to stagnant water in the area.
“Simbako, ang dengue. Kadaghan baya namog mga bata diri,” she said.
She appealed for a permanent solution to address the recurring flooding problem, saying the raft only serves as a temporary response.
“Supposedly, ang uwan comforting man unta labi na weekend, nindot ipahuway. Pero kami magbantay gyud mi permi,” Cagara said.
BARANGAY SEEKS LONG-TERM FIX
Cabancalan Barangay Captain Francis Karlo “FK” Remedio said the residential compound was not previously considered flood-prone.
He said around 30 houses inside the compound, including Cagara’s residence, and about 50 houses in a nearby subdivision were affected by the flooding.
Remedio said a swamp behind the area previously served as a natural waterway, but he claimed that a private company later blocked the water’s natural passage.
He explained that rainwater from Sitio Nasipit in Barangay Talamban could no longer flow properly, causing water to accumulate in nearby residential areas.
“Mao na ang nahitabo nga na-flooded sila og maayo,” Remedio said.
The barangay immediately deployed personnel and operated water pumps after receiving complaints from affected residents.
Remedio also met with representatives of the private company, the Office of the Building Official, and affected residents to discuss possible solutions.
He said the company explained that the blockage was made to prevent flooding within its own property.
“Akong giistoryahan nga ila lang ablihan bisan gamay lang nga diametro para continuous lang gihapon ang flow sa tubig,” Remedio said.
The barangay captain said he is still waiting for the company’s response as discussions continue on how to restore proper water flow and prevent future flooding.
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