DPWH admits lapses in Cogon Pardo project

Amid concerns over the compromised mangrove area in Cogon Pardo, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) admitted to lapses in securing environmental permits, drawing sharp criticism from Cebu City Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera during an executive session on Wednesday.

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Just last week, Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros approved the issuance of a cease-and-desist order against an ongoing development in Cogon Pardo, which was found to endanger the health of the area's mangroves. While the order remains in effect, the City Council, through a privilege speech by Pesquera, called for an executive session and invited concerned agencies to shed light on the matter.

During the session, Engineer Gemuel Talingting of the DPWH clarified that the project in question was not a road opening but part of a larger flood control initiative. He said the flagged portion was the access road required for equipment to proceed with construction.

According to Talingting, the infrastructure is part of the administration's efforts to alleviate chronic flooding in the city, particularly in Barangays San Nicolas and Inayawan.

"This is flood control infrastructure," he said, adding that it aims to prevent private entities from occupying the site for urban development.

"Kay kung maunhan ta nila, wala na gyud ta, hopeless nata sa atong flood control programs, dili na ma establish," said Talingting.