Upland dev’t moratorium

He reminded the council of a lesson learned early in life: “When trees are cut and mountains are destroyed, floods will happen.

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This is basic knowledge we all learned growing up, yet it is the very lesson we failed to follow.”Garganera painted a stark picture of the consequences—rivers turning brown with sediments, desilting efforts rendered futile, and families suffering as floodwaters rise.

“Unless we address what is happening upstream and stop the uncontrolled alteration of our mountains, we will remain trapped in this vicious cycle,” he said.

Quoting environmental lawyer Antonio Oposa, he added: “We have cut down our forests and abused nature for so long and thought we could get away with it. But nothing is for free. At one time or the other, we will have to pay—and the longer we wait, the higher will be the price.”

The resolution calls on Mayor Nestor Archival to declare the moratorium and convene a composite team of national agencies, city offices, scientists, engineers, and civil society groups to review ongoing upland projects and policies within 60 days.

During the moratorium, no new permits or clearances would be issued until compliance with national environmental laws and flood mitigation requirements is established.

Garganera stressed that the measure is not anti development but pro responsibility.

“This is not meant to punish anyone, but to protect our people, our resources, and the future of our city.”

He recalled the tragedy of Typhoon Tino, which claimed 33 lives, as a painful reminder of the dangers of allowing settlements in waterways while upland destruction continued unchecked.