River council seeking stoppage of DPWH project in Cogon Pardo

The Cebu City River Management Council (CCRMC) passed a resolution recommending the imposition of a cease-and-desist order against a government-initiated project that reportedly harmed the protected mangrove area in Barangay Cogon Pardo.

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In a resolution furnished to the media, it was indicated the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) conducted a mangrove habitat assessment on Tuesday, June 3, at a mangrove patch located in Barangay Cogon Pardo, Cebu City.

The CCENRO's field team reportedly observed the "unloading and spreading of lime aggregates" locally known as "anapog," apparently by an excavator to construct a roadway within the mangrove area.

It was further noted by the team that the ongoing "backfilling operation" had encroached on areas with mature and healthy mangrove trees.

The team learned from the workers at the site that the backfilling activity is part of a P97-million government program that intends to cover the existing mangrove trees.

It was also found out that the project was reportedly undertaken without any plan for proper management or rehabilitation, which raised serious environmental concerns by the CCENRO.