CEBU City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia announced on Friday, April 25, 2025, that the City will move forward with its underground cabling project within the heritage district, but with heightened caution to safeguard potential historical artifacts.
This decision comes after concerns were raised by the City Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (Chac) regarding the risk of damaging archaeological sites during excavation.
The underground cabling initiative, mandated by City Ordinance 2750, aims to relocate utility, power, television, and telecommunications cables underground within Cebu City’s jurisdiction.
However, the project’s location in the historically significant downtown area prompted the Chac to call for a temporary suspension unless an archaeologist is present during the work.
Museums and Heritage consultant Jose Eleazar Bersales, a commissioner of the Chac, had warned of the high probability of unearthing significant artifacts, potentially dating back to the time of Rajah Humabon.
He referenced a 1967 incident in which ancient Chinese artifacts were discovered during telephone cable excavations along Magallanes and Lapu-Lapu Streets.
Garcia acknowledged these concerns, stating, “We are very careful about it. Considering it’s a heritage area, we might find artifacts underground.”
He instructed Councilor Jerry Guardo, the chairperson of the infrastructure committee, to ensure meticulous execution of the project.
To address the Chac’s concerns and protect any potential discoveries, Garcia confirmed that City Hall will hire an archaeologist to be present throughout the excavation process.
“It’s better that we hire an archaeologist during the whole operation to prevent damage to any artifacts,” he explained.
The initial phase of the project will involve digging at least 38 open pits, each measuring 1.1 by 1.5 meters, with a depth of 1.28 meters.
Garcia has previously stated that the successful implementation of this pilot project in the heritage district will pave the way for city-wide underground cabling. / JPS