THE Cebu Provincial Government is moving to rezone and reclassify land in earthquake-hit towns after the discovery of sinkholes rendered the areas “not conducive for settlement,” according to environment officials.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Central Visayas (DENR-MGB 7) confirmed at least 70 sinkholes in northern Cebu after ground validations conducted following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Sept. 30, 2025.
Sinkholes had already been confirmed in Bogo City, San Remigio, and other northern towns by the DENR-MGB Central Office on Oct. 7.
MGB 7 Supervising Geologist Josephine Aleta reported during a press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 14, that San Remigio has the highest number of sinkholes with 40. This is followed by Bogo City with 16, Daanbantayan with eight, Medellin and Tuburan with two each, and Sogod and Tabuelan with one each. These figures were based on ground validations completed on Sunday, Oct. 12.
“Hindi siya conducive for settlement area (It is not conducive for a settlement area),” Aleta said.
Aleta explained that the formation of sinkholes was primarily caused by “extreme ground shaking,” which was aggravated by the region’s highly soluble limestone composition that is prone to such occurrences.
Aleta added that while climate change and excessive groundwater extraction can contribute to ground subsidence, not all cases result in sinkholes.
With the magnitude 5.8 aftershock on Monday, Oct. 13, Aleta said that eight current sinks will likely progress or new sinkholes may be discovered. A new DENR-MGB team has been deployed to conduct ground-penetrating radar surveys to assess the condition of areas where tent cities, schools, and houses near the sinkholes are situated, ensuring these are not at risk.
“So far, tent cities are safe from sinkholes,” Aleta added, noting that continuous monitoring and geological assessments are underway to safeguard evacuees and public facilities.
She advised residents to avoid identified sinkhole areas and not to use them as compost pits.
Rezoning and Reclassification
Provincial Assistant Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the move for rezoning and reclassification of land use is necessary because the earthquake and resulting sinkholes likely altered the province’s existing geo-mapping and geo-hazard profiles.
“There will be a possibility of reclassification and rezoning of the land use of the LGUs affected because of the presence of sinkholes and the faultlines,” Empaces told the media on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
He stressed that rezoning is essential for affected LGUs under their Comprehensive Land Use Program.
According to Empaces, the rezoning and reclassification will be done by the respective local Planning and Development Offices and the Provincial Planning and Development Office.
The Province is waiting for reports from MGB and the Department of Public Works and Highways before implementing any plans.
These reports will also influence the selection of relocation sites, a process Empaces admitted will take longer than usual.
“We cannot just place relocation sites without MGB approval,” he said, citing the example of establishing shoreline easements as one area that will be affected by the changes. / CDF