THE landfilling for an alternative road project along the coastline and mangrove areas in Barangays Inayawan and Cogon Pardo, Cebu City has been temporarily stopped for technical review.
Cebu City Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros issued a cease and desist order (CDO) against the P97-million road construction project of WTG Construction and Development Corporation, citing environmental concerns.
The CDO halts the dumping of filling materials such as "anapogs" along the mangrove-rich coastline of Cogon Pardo.
The road construction, a project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is intended to connect F. Gabuya Extension to the South Road Properties (SRP) as an alternative route.
The CDO follows a resolution passed months earlier by the Coastline Management Board (CMB), which called for legislative protection for mangroves in Inayawan and Cogon Pardo.
On March 11, 2025, CMB Resolution 2025-03-01, authored by Representative Joed Caballero, urged the Cebu City Council to pass ordinances supporting mangrove conservation and growth.
An inspection by the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCenro), led by Juan Pablo Yao of its Technical Services Unit, discovered century-old mangroves naturally growing in the area.
During an initial assessment, CCenro reported to the Rivers Management Council on Wednesday, June 4, that mangroves in Cogon Pardo were being buried under filling materials.
In response, Hontiveros directed CCenro to convene a technical conference with all concerned parties to address the issue. (EHP)