‘Get permits before starting projects’
To ensure the protection of Cebu City’s biodiversity, a City Hall official urged developers to secure permits before developing projects in protected areas.
In an interview, City Enviroment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) chief Nida Cabrera said the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) has raised the concern after the latter found one developer implementing a project on a protected area in Balamban town without permits.
“The problem in our city is that our source of water is there (in the protected areas). There are reports of high water contamination already. Tagaan na nato og attention gyud and the law provides how we should properly utilize our resources,” she said.
In a memorandum dated July 5, Mayor Tomas Osmeña directed all City Hall department heads to coordinate with the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office for all proposed projects situated in protected areas in 23 mountain barangays.
a memorandum dated July 5, Mayor Tomas Osmeña directed all City Hall department heads to coordinate with CCENRO for all proposed projects situated in protected areas in 23 mountain barangays.
These include Barangays Adlaon, Agsungot, Babag, Buhisan, Bonbon, Buot, Cambinocot, Guba, Lusaran, Mabini, Malubog, Pamotan, Paril and Pung-ol Sibugay.
Other barangays include Sapangdaku, Sinsin, Sirao, Sudlon I, Sudlon II, Tabunan, Tagbao, Taptap and Toong.
Most of the projects reportedly being developed in the mountain barangays are tourist attractions and mountain resorts.
Cabrera said PAMB found two developments in Bonbon operating without permits. These are still under investigation.
“Based on national policy, they have to secure a permit. There are two classifications for protected areas, one is the strict protection zone and the other is the multiple use. If it’s classified as multiple use, as long as there are no harmful effects to environment, we will issue them a permit,” she added.
As another measure to protect the environment, the Cebu City Government will no longer use single-use plastics, including straws and cups, in City Hall starting next month.