THE Cebu Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (Chac) has asked the Cebu City Government to temporarily stop its underground cabling project unless an archaeologist is around to monitor its implementation.
This, as the pilot areas for the city’s first underground cabling project are within the city’s heritage district raising concerns about the possibility of undiscovered artifacts.
On March 3, 2025, the Cebu City Government launched the pilot installation of the underground cable wires at the vicinity of Plaza Sugbu in front of City Hall and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
The first phase, set to be finished by April, covers the Basilica, City Hall, P. Burgos St., M.C. Briones St., Osmeña Blvd., D. Jakosalem St. and the South Road Properties.
In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, March 11, Museums and Heritage consultant for the Province of Cebu Jose Eleazar Bersales said in a letter to the Cebu City Council and forwarded to Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, the Chac requested that the excavations should not yet proceed due to the high likelihood of damaging potential archaeological sites.
Bersales said after talking to Garcia, the Chac received positive feedback from the mayor whom he described as a “heritage enthusiast.”
Bersales, who is also a commissioner of the Chac, said he received information that Fibernet Konstrukt Corp., the contractor leading the pilot underground cabling project, has already engaged an archaeologist to assist in the process.
Proper coordination
“Heritage is not against development as long as people are properly informed and coordinated. In this case, if an archaeologist is present to monitor the excavation, then it should be fine,” Bersales said.
Bersales learned that the project will require digging at least 38 open pits, each measuring 1.1 by 1.5 meters, with a depth of 1.28 meters.
“The machine will then be put down the pit and the drilling process goes straight. And when they dig, there’s a chance they might hit something significant,” he said.
Excavation in the area could potentially uncover remains of Cebu’s earliest ancestors, possibly including those from the time of Rajah Humabon, which would need proper protection, Bersales explained.
He recalled an incident in 1967 when a telephone company, while excavating along Magallanes St. and Lapu-Lapu St. in downtown Cebu City, unearthed artifacts such as ancient Chinese plates, remains and other relics.
At the time, a worker from a nearby establishment reported the discovery to the USC (University of San Carlos) Museum.
The German priest managing the museum subsequently informed authorities in Germany, leading to a three-month closure of the open pit for further study of the recovered artifacts.
Bersales said it is high time to conduct a new study on the archeological excavation done in the 1960s.
Citing Republic Act 11961, Bersales said no government projects can proceed without the approval of the National Historical Commision of the Philippines, National Commission for the Culture and Arts, or the locally mandated bodies such as the Chac in regard to projects within historical districts or with historical significance.
The pilot project aligns with City Ordinance 2750, mandating the installation of utility, power, television and telecommunications cables underground within Cebu City’s jurisdiction.
Garcia earlier said once the installation of the underground cables at the City’s Heritage District is proven successful and feasible, the same will be done for the rest of the city. (EHP)