THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 is facing strong criticism from the Cebu City Council after a flood mitigation project in Barangay Cogon Pardo buried nine mangrove trees under filling materials.
This incident follows a cease and desist order (CDO) previously issued for another DPWH flood mitigation project along the coastlines of Barangays Inayawan and Cogon Pardo, which had impacted four mangrove trees.
Earlier reports identified the DPWH Cebu City District Engineering Office’s project as road construction connecting F. Gabuya Extension to the South Road Properties. However, a DPWH representative clarified that the dumped materials were intended as access roads for heavy equipment.
WTG Construction and Development Corp. is the contractor for both projects.
Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera condemned the DPWH during a recent council session for the continued harm to mangrove ecosystems. Unlike the project under the DPWH district office, the newer project, managed by the DPWH 7 office, has not yet received a CDO.
Juan Pablo Yao, team leader of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), said that issuing a CDO for the DPWH 7 project is their next step and that he plans to seek the City Council’s support.
“At least, the council will be aware of what further action will happen,” Yao said.
Yao explained that covering mangrove roots during construction is highly damaging, citing a similar case in Mandaue City where a DPWH project killed several mangrove trees.
“If they were worried, how much more should we be?” Yao remarked in Cebuano, highlighting that Cebu City has fewer than 20 hectares of mangroves compared to Mandaue City’s 70 hectares. “We should be thankful that we noticed our mangroves before they were completely covered,” he added.
Cenro is investigating multiple potential violations, including those under:
City Ordinance 2115 (mining ordinance) for disposing of materials without a permit.
Republic Act (RA) 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code, for mangrove
conversion.
Presidential Decree 705.
RA 7161.
Councilor Pancrasio Esparis inquired about alternative construction methods. Yao suggested “earth balling,” a transplantation technique that preserves root systems, but noted it requires an environmental compliance certificate. So far, Yao said, swift action has prevented any mangrove deaths.
Gemuel Talingting of the DPWH District Office clarified that their project is for flood control, not road construction. He reiterated that the materials were used to provide access for heavy equipment and that the project aims to prevent private encroachment on creeks, similar to what occurred in Barangay Basak San Nicolas.
“In this particular area in Gabuya, we don’t want that to happen — the same fate as in Basak, where creeks were converted to residential establishments,” Talingting stated.
He publicly apologized to the City Council, Cenro, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), promising to rectify the situation and process the necessary permits. Talingting cited the DPWH’s mandate to deliver projects on time, noting that delays often stem from bureaucratic procedures. He also pointed out the close proximity of the DPWH District Office to Cenro’s office.
“We are neighbors, you could have told us,” Talingting said, advocating for better coordination and expressing a desire for DENR’s assistance.
Councilor Pesquera interrupted, rebuking Talingting: “You’re faulting them for issuing a cease and desist order when you’re neighbors... You’re not looking at yourselves as the ones initially at fault for not applying for permits with your neighbors. You’re acting like a victim.”
Pesquera warned that damaging even one mangrove tree could lead to six years of imprisonment, implying that current violations could result in “a lifetime of imprisonment.”
A representative from WTG Construction assured the council that the company would take steps to avoid further damage to mangrove trees. The contractor will handle the working and traffic permits, while DPWH will manage the remaining requirements. / JPS