When floodwaters rise, Cebu City is preparing to give its rescuers more tools to reach residents faster.
The Cebu City Sangguniang Panlungsod approved a P6.543 million allocation for additional rescue equipment to strengthen the city’s response to floods and other emergencies.
The council adopted the recommendation of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC) to procure rescue flood boats, search and rescue cameras, and lifting bags using the city’s 2026 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF).
Councilor Dave Tumulak, who also chairs the CCDRRMC, moved the measure.
The allocation will be charged against the 2026 LDRRMF Capital Outlay for disaster response and rescue equipment.
The CCDRRMC earlier recommended the procurement through Resolution No. 146, Series of 2026, approved on June 10.
The resolution said the equipment would strengthen the city’s operational readiness and improve the efficiency of rescue operations during emergencies and disasters. It also cited the need to protect both disaster-affected residents and rescue personnel.
The planned procurement includes three types of equipment: rescue flood boats, search and rescue cameras, and lifting bags.
Flood boats are intended to help responders navigate inundated roads and communities during flooding, while search and rescue cameras can assist in locating or assessing people in areas that may be difficult or unsafe to inspect directly.
Lifting bags will provide responders with additional equipment for operations requiring the movement or lifting of heavy objects during emergencies.
The procurement comes as flooding remains a recurring challenge in Cebu City, particularly during periods of intense rainfall when rising water can quickly affect roads, homes and communities.
The CCDRRMC resolution said the purchase is supported by a Certificate of Appropriation Available and a Certificate of Availability of Funds.
The approved measure formally adopts the CCDRRMC recommendation and authorizes the concerned city offices to undertake the necessary steps for the procurement.
Photo courtesy of PNA
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