A SLOPE protection project to prevent landslides broke ground in three sitios in Barangay Sirao, one of the most-visited tourist areas in Cebu City.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia led the groundbreaking ceremony in the three sitios namely: Langub, Proper and Tawagan.
The projects will cost over P41 million.
In Sitio Langub, the slope protection project will cost P6,697,538.67 with 120 calendar days given for construction. In Sitio Proper, the slope protection will cost P15,295,949.24 with 180 calendar days given to complete the project; while in sitio Tawagan, the slope protection will cost P19,380,168 with 300 calendar days given to complete construction.
Garcia said as he inspected the three sitios, he found that the portion beneath some of the roads already “caved in” which could pose more danger to residents nearby.
“The road already caved in, so it’s very dangerous. If the load gets any heavier, it will completely give way, and it could cause many accidents,” Garcia said in Cebuano.
Garcia said the slope protection will use sheet piles that will protect the road from landslides.
Promoting Sirao
Sirao, being visited both by locals and tourists due to its flower gardens, must be promoted through improving the roads, said Garcia.
“We are trying to promote also our hinterlands that when you go up, you’re safe, nothing will happen to you. There’s no danger, and you won’t get into an accident,” he said.
The slope protection projects will be implemented by NRMM Construction and Development Corp.
For his part, Councilor Jerry Guardo, who heads the infrastructure committee, expressed confidence that the contractor can finish the projects before the deadline.
Guardo said the projects were eyed way back 2022, with studies and engineering interventions conducted. The delays were attributed to the funding process.
Meanwhile, Sirao Barangay Captain Felix Limotan, said the project was a long overdue request from the barangay after some portions of land in the barangay had started to move in 2001.
Barangay Sirao has at least 1,000 locals and tourists visiting daily, averaging 30 vans traversing the road. (JPS)