THE Cebu City Environment and Natural Resource Office (Cenro) has called for urgent action after a reinspection of mangroves in Barangay Cogon Pardo found signs of decay and death.
The damage is a result of a flood mitigation project by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) along the wetlands near the South Road Properties and coastlines of Barangays Cogon Pardo and Inayawan.
The Cenro’s reinspection, conducted on July 2, 2025, was endorsed to the City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 5, for action.
Councilor Joel Garganera passed motions on Tuesday. One motion requested the Cenro and the DPWH to submit a comprehensive report on the rehabilitation of the mangroves. The other motion required the DPWH and the contractor to submit their intervention plan. Both reports must be submitted within 15 days.
For his part, Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. has called for an executive session. He has invited the DPWH, the contractor and other relevant agencies to discuss the situation of the mangroves.
The affected area is near what locals call “Little Hawaii.” The DPWH contracted a P97 million flood mitigation project in the wetland areas of Cogon Pardo and Inayawan.
Last June, then-acting mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros issued a cease and desist order (CDO) against the DPWH Cebu City Engineering District and the WTG Construction and Development Corp. for the project.
Incumbent Mayor Nestor Archival has not revoked the CDO. He said the proponents must comply with all environmental regulations.
The proponents failed to comply with necessary environmental protection permits before construction commenced. The order was prompted after June 4 reports of an alleged dumping of soil and filling materials in the area that may have damaged several mangroves, including century-old ones.
Cenro’s latest report detailed the condition of at least five mangroves. Some species, including four rhizophora and a sonneratia, showed signs of severe stress and death.
This included dark brown stems, minimal branching and a lack of leaves. The roots of some mangroves were found buried under dumped soil. This may have halted photosynthesis.
The sonneratia mangrove was confirmed dead. The revival of the rhizophora mangroves remains low despite signs of recovery due to buried roots.
During the reinspection, the Cenro team saw sheet piles installed around some of the affected mangroves. The report said the piles were meant to prevent the trees from falling.
The Cenro recommended the continued monitoring of the health of the mangroves.
It also recommended proactive patrols with the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and residents to prevent illegal activities in the area.
The report also suggested a rehabilitation study be conducted by the responsible entity.
The Cenro recommended endorsing the inspection report to the DENR for proper legal action. / EHP