THE push to mitigate chronic flooding in Metro Cebu has collided with local environmental protection laws, highlighting the friction between urgent infrastructure deadlines and ecological preservation. While flood control remains a priority for the City, a recent operation reveals the risks of bypassing safeguards in the rush to complete government projects.
The inspection and citations
The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) issued three citation tickets to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 following an inspection of Mahiga Creek on Nov. 20, 2025.
Acting on an anonymous tip regarding tree cutting, Cenro personnel confirmed that heavy equipment used for a desilting operation had uprooted several trees and damaged a pedestrian walkway. The findings led to immediate sanctions against the regional agency for violating city ordinances.
What happened
This incident occurred within the framework of “Oplan Kontra Baha,” a broad flood mitigation program under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. designed to clear major waterways, including the Cotcot, Mananga, Guadalupe, Butuanon, Cansaga and Kinalumsan Rivers in Metro Cebu.
The timing of the Mahiga Creek operation was critical. DPWH crews were working under tight deadlines to prepare for an inspection by President Marcos scheduled for the following day, Nov. 21. This high-profile pressure created an operational environment where speed was prioritized, leading to the reported oversight of environmental protocols.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the legal obligations of government agencies to adhere to local environmental safeguards, even during high-priority national projects. The destruction involved native species, including a narra tree and a bani tree found in its critical flowering stage, which are vital for riverbank stabilization and biodiversity.
Aside from the ecological loss, the operation resulted in infrastructure damage. A walkway designed to prevent public access to the creek was destroyed, inadvertently compromising safety infrastructure while attempting to improve flood capacity. The citations also reinforce the legal precedent that inter-agency coordination does not grant immunity from local laws requiring permits for earth-balling or tree removal.
Disaster resilience
The issue presents contrasting priorities: the urgency of disaster resilience versus the mandate of environmental conservation.
Gerry Evangelio, chief of the DPWH 7 Equipment Division, emphasized the deadline-driven nature of the work and prior communication with local governments. He noted that their office had already coordinated with all local government units involved in the flood control plan and that they were “on the clock” in preparation for the activity.
Cenro maintained that while desilting is necessary, it cannot come at the expense of protected vegetation without proper assessment. The office cited City Ordinance 2623, which mandates permits for cutting or removing trees, regardless of the agency involved.
Extent of damage
The inspection team documented significant alterations to the creek’s landscape. Upon arrival, they observed dump trucks and a backhoe bearing the DPWH logo. The machinery had damaged the concrete walkway, exposing the creek to direct access.
Further inspection revealed the loss of both native and exotic flora. A bani tree in its flowering stage and a narra tree were found partially buried in sediment, while bystanders reported a second narra tree had been uprooted earlier. A partially buried eucalyptus tree was also documented. Photos from the site showed Cenro personnel holding the uprooted bani tree in bloom, supporting the claim that it was removed during a crucial growth phase.
Enforcement of City Ordinance 2623
The citations were issued under the “Earth-Balling, Cutting, and Removal of Trees Ordinance of Cebu City.” This local law requires any person or agency to secure a specific permit before disturbing trees, with a particular emphasis on protecting native species within the city’s jurisdiction.
Despite the DPWH’s explanation regarding the presidential visit and flood mitigation goals, Cenro determined that the lack of permits and the resulting damage warranted immediate penalization.
Recommendations for future operations
To prevent recurrence, Cenro recommended that DPWH personnel undergo environmental awareness lectures. The report urged the engineering department to integrate better assessments of vegetation and the overall ecosystem into their planning phases before commencing construction or clearing operations.
What comes next
The DPWH official faces a seven-day window to settle the three citation tickets or face the filing of a formal legal case. Observers will be watching to see if this incident leads to stricter pre-operation protocols for “Oplan Kontra Baha” and whether it establishes a firmer boundary for environmental compliance in future government infrastructure projects. / CAV