THE Cebu City government won’t push through with its plan to construct a cemetery in Barangay Sapangdaku if national government agencies would decide that the project would pose danger to the residents there.
In a press conference on Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said they were willing to heed national government agencies should they advise to the stop the construction of a cemetery in Sitios Patay’ng Yuta and Baksan if poses harm to residents there.
“If it endanger the health and sanitation of the residence in Sapangdaku then I will advice (Councilor Dave) Tumulak not to push through with that,” said Labella.
But before that, Labella said he has to wait for the development plan being formulated by Councilor Dave Tumulak.
Tumulak is the proponent of the proposed ordinance which provides for the creation of the cemetery.
Tumulak, in an interview, said he agree with Labella’s opinion.
He said if it would be too risky then he would suggest to look for another site for the project.
Tumulak said it was really the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that provide them with the proposed site and the City only complied with the necessary requirements.
Tumulak said the development plan is still being processed, adding the concern on the runoff water in the area, which is one of the main concerns that needs to be addressed, needs to be integrated with the proposed project.
In previous reports, the Department of Health (DOH) Central Visayas did not issue an initial permit to the City due to the river near the proposed site which may make the area prone to landslide.
The non-issuance of barangay certificate is due to the complaints of the residents is also one of the factors which needs to be addressed.
Tumulak also said the study for the development plan is not being rushed as the existing cemeteries in the city can still accommodate.
The plan to establish a cemetery came up last June when there was a surge of deaths due and related to Covid-19 pandemic. / JJL