City gov't eyes compromise on disputed annex building

After seven years of holding office in a basement plagued by flooding concerns, several members of the Department of Education (DepEd) – Cebu City Division can finally breathe a sigh of relief, as the Cebu City Government is now considering another compromise with the city's Commission on Tourism—the office currently occupying the disputed annex building.

- 

Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, chairman of the Commission on Education, spearheaded the inspection of the DepEd - City Division building yesterday following the heavy flooding the city experienced on July 16, 2025. The same downpour affected various areas across the city and did not spare the offices of the local education workforce.

During his inspection, Osmeña revealed that they are in the process of fully assessing the facts and the situation.

According to him, this includes properly situating the Tourism Office without displacing the Division Health and Nutrition Clinic.

"Unsa may mas importante? Ang Tourism office or atong mga teachers? To me it is very basic," said Osmeña.

Among the solutions Osmeña recommended is sealing off the entire building to prevent floodwaters from entering.

According to him, this is a necessary alternative since the building can no longer be elevated.

He emphasized another approach to resolving the issue: a "diking" method, which includes pumping out water. This method also involves raising the walls, waterproofing, and installing drainage holes.