1. The Flood Control Forum and the Manifesto (7 March 2025)
On 7 March 2025, PH Haiyan Advocacy, Inc., in partnership with Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), convened a Flood Control and Mitigation Forum at the EVSU Auditorium. The forum brought together civil society organizations, academic institutions, technical experts, and community representatives.
The discussion centered on:
- Tacloban’s flood-prone areas and drainage constraints
- The absence of a completed and publicly disclosed CFCMP
- The need for science-based, institutionalized flood planning
At the conclusion of the forum, participants adopted a Manifesto of Commitment for a Flood-Free Tacloban, calling for transparency, accountability, and urgent legislative and executive action.
Following the forum, PH Haiyan transmitted the forum outcomes and reiterated the need for a comprehensive flood control master plan.
Letters were sent on the following dates; the full set of attachments is listed at the end of this article.
3. Escalation to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (June–July 2025)
On 24 June 2025, PH Haiyan elevated the matter to DILG Region VIII. In its reply (10 July 2025), DILG confirmed endorsement to the City Mayor and City DILG Director, reported scheduled drainage activities, and noted its general supervisory role under the Local Government Code.
PH Haiyan furnished copies of its letters to all members of the Tacloban City Council and to the Vice Mayor; receipts show stamps, dates, and signatures.
5. January 2026 Flooding and Renewed Letters to DILG (14 January 2026)
Tacloban City experienced flooding on 5–6 January 2026. PH Haiyan sent letters dated 14 January 2026 to the City DILG Director and DILG Regional Director, requesting renewed oversight; both letters were received and are on record.
6. A Record of Notice, Not of Surprise
The record shows a forum and manifesto in March 2025; multiple letters to the Mayor between March and June 2025; furnishing to the City Council in July 2025; a DILG reply in July 2025; and flooding in January 2026. The incidents were therefore not unforeseeable.
7. What PH Haiyan Is Asking
- Clarity – Does Tacloban City have a completed, adopted, and publicly disclosed CFCMP?
- Transparency – If yes, when was it approved and where can the public access it?
- Accountability – If none exists, what is the concrete timeline for compliance with disaster risk reduction and climate resilience obligations?
8. Moving Forward
This article is published to ensure public understanding, transparency, and institutional memory. All referenced documents—letters, replies, receipts, and the manifesto—are available as part of the public record.
Flood preparedness is not a political issue.
Accountability is not optional.
And a flood-free Tacloban is a legitimate and achievable goal.
