Nearly 5000 participants join the #FloodHeroCebuSummit

CEBU CITY—. Nearly 5,000 participants composed of multi-sector groups, students from five universities in Cebu, business, civil society joined the “FloodHeroCebu” Summit today, September 27 organized by the Cebu Citizens Initiative (CCI) and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) held at the Cebu Coliseum.

Cebu Citizens Initiative (CCI) chair, Atty. Anastacio Montuerto in his opening remarks revolves around the social and environmental issues in Cebu, particularly the problem of flooding and the need for social transformation and a change in mindset.

Montuerto emphasizes the importance of greening Cebu, highlighting the need to both plant trees and clean the city. He also acknowledges the long journey required for social transformation and changing mindsets.  This initiative aims to find solutions for #FloodFreeCebu.

CCCI pres. Jay Yuvallos talked about the impact and influence of corruption on the Philippines, emphasizing the need for positive action and leadership.

He highlighted the seismic impact of corruption on Filipinos' lives and the necessity of raising servant leaders. This #FloodHeroCebu summit aims to address three questions: current status, collective action, and future plans. 

Yuvallos emphasizes the need for affirmative action and vigilant unity to address the crisis. He calls for continued support and action from all participants to achieve transformation and peace.

Muntuerto and Yuvallos expressed optimism about the movement's potential to grow and make positive contributions.  There is a need for collective management of resources and breath with a call to action for a flood-free Cebu.

"We want everyone to unite and awaken the flood hero within us.  Let us all mobilize and educate our community and call on our government to fulfill their role in addressing the flood-related issues to build a livable Cebu, characterized by social order and a robust economy for Cebu," Yuvallos said.

During the open forum, students lambasted the government for not having the discipline for good governance especially on the flood control infrastructure. Part of the activity was the signing of commitment to be counted in the campaign and become a "FloodHero" for a flood-free Cebu. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Cebu biz sector launches a flood-free Cebu movement

CEBU CITY-- Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Cebu Business Month (CBM), RGC and Qualfon in cooperation with the different home associations, local NGOs, and student bodies of Cebu launched the "Be a Part of Flood Hero Cebu" , a citizen-led flood prevention movement scheduled on September 27 at 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm  at the Cebu Coliseum, Sanciangko St., Cebu City.

In a press conference on September 18 at the CCCI boardroom, Atty. Anastasio Muntuerto, Jr. of the Cebu Citizens Initiative (CCI) and Jay Yuvallos, president, CCCI said that the goal of the movement is to mobilize 1.2 million residents of Cebu, highlighting the importance of community and private sector involvement.

Muntuerto and Yuvallos expressed optimism about the movement's potential to grow and make positive contributions.  There is a need for collective management of resources and breath with a call to action for a flood-free Cebu.

"We want everyone to unite and awaken the flood hero within us.  Let us all mobilize and educate our community and call on our government to fulfill their role in addressing the flood-related issues to build a livable Cebu, characterized by social order and a robust economy for Cebu," Yvallos said.

Yuvallos added that this is the time to take the initiative and save Cebu from the flood, one bucket per household at a time.

The Cebu Citizens Initiative, in collaboration with the Cebu Chamber, aims to organize the Flood Free Cebu Summit and the Flood Hero Cebu Movement on that day, September 27.   The movement seeks to raise public awareness and education, with a focus on community participation and non-structural mitigations.

Four Key Areas of Focus for the Movement to address include community participation, non-structural mitigations, diverse community needs, and capacity building.  Yuvallos said that the importance of capacitating the community to participate effectively is vital.  

 

Various organizations, including the Rotary Club, JCS, churches, fraternities, schools, and academia, have already expressed to join the movement as key partners.  Initial support from big companies have already expressed with a call for more involvement from the private sector. (Photos: MBCNewman)