Coastal board pushing for more measures to protect mangroves

The Cebu Coastal Management Board (CMB) has requested the Cebu City Council to legislate programs and protection measures for the growth and development of mangroves in Barangays Cogon Pardo and Inayawan.

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Ed Karlon Rama, CMB chairperson, said that despite the fact that mangroves are protected under a national law, local legislation is more "nuanced and aligned with local contexts."

He added that with legislative backing, a project can be conceived, key result areas can be identified, and a work plan can be developed. Aside from these factors, job specifications can be formulated, and appropriate job descriptions can also be assigned.

It can be remembered that, amid concerns over the compromised mangrove area in Cogon Pardo, its proponent-the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)—admitted its lapses in securing permits, drawing criticism and scrutiny from Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera during an executive session last Wednesday.

Last week, Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros also approved the issuance of a cease-and-desist order against a development in Cogon Pardo that compromises the health of the mangroves in the same area.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, along with some Cebu City Government workers, have started cleaning up one of the garbage-filled barangays, Barangay Pasil, especially the coastal area ahead of the Citywide clean-up drive set today.