Biofence installed to stop CPA project construction

After the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) refused to comply with the order by Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama to stop the ongoing construction at the back of the National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu, city government personnel installed biofence around the area to prevent further expansion of the construction.

However, the installation of the biofence did not go easy as tensions rose between the city government personnel and CPA security.

City personnel from the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO, Office of the Building Official, the Department of General Services, the city’s Bantay Dagat, and river troopers from the Task Force Gubat sa Baha, attempted to install the biofence at around 6 a.m. yesterday, March 8, 2024

As City Hall personnel were installing the biofence, security personnel from CPA arrived around 6:45 a.m. to stop them.

CPA Port police also attempted to stop Bantay Dagat enforcers from installing the biofence, said CCENRO chief Reymarr Hijara.

“Nagsugod na unta mig install pero gipikhan mi sa CPA Police ug medyo na-tense ang sitwasyon. Mura gyud nahitabong standoff ang maong sitwasyon,” Hijara disclosed.

To ease the tension, Bantay Dagat personnel sent by the city had to leave and CCENRO personnel successfully installed the biofence when CPA personnel left the area.

The biofence installed at the area will act as a boundary indicator for the city’s territorial waters, as the city government expects the construction to reach the stretch from NMP-Cebu to the bayfront area near the Compania Maritima.

Mayor Rama has earlier ordered for the construction of CPA’s port to be halted as it did not have any building permit.

Apart from the lack of a permit, the project had to be stopped as it reportedly will obstruct the view of the city’s coastline, not to mention environmental concerns.

“I also believe that constructing the wharf all the way to the plaza could potentially obstruct the coastline view, particularly once the international ship port security measures are enforced, restricting public access,” said Hijara.

Hijara said the project had to be stopped as the coastal waters adjacent to CPA are “delicate ecosystems teeming with biodiversity.”

“The planned extension of the Cebu Port Authority’s wharf, while crucial for enhancing trade and logistic capabilities, poses potential risks to these environments,” added Hijara.

Hijara also stressed that the city government is committed to practicing sustainable development, which aims to integrate environmental preservation measures in all infrastructure projects.

“The installation of biofences aligns with this vision by ensuring that the port’s expansion does not compromise the city’s ecological integrity. By adopting biofences, the Cebu City Government demonstrates a commitment to development that harmoniously coexists with nature,” Hijara explained.

Aside from the installed biofence, Architect Florante Catalan of the city’s OBO also recommended to file charges against CPA after it refused to heed Rama’s order to cease its construction.

According to the City’s PIO News and Information team, OBO issued a notice of illegal construction and work stoppage order to CPA last Feb 5, 2024 after it failed to show a building permit for the project after its inspection.

OBO endorsed the matter to the City Legal Office (CLO).

CPA according to Archt. Catalan sent a formal reply to the notice sent by OBO on Feb. 13 saying they have no jurisdiction over the project as it was under the CPA’s territorial jurisdiction.

Catalan endorsed the CPA’s letter reply to the CLO on Feb. 21. He is still waiting for CLO’s action on the matter. -