Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has voiced serious apprehension regarding the recent landslide incident in Bacayan, which involved several high-end residential subdivisions. The mayor personally inspected the affected area and witnessed trucks from these developments transporting materials, prompting immediate action.
Direct Inspection and Immediate Actions
Following his on-site assessment, Mayor Archival has directed the City Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) to conduct thorough inspections of all developers operating in the Bacayan area. The office must provide detailed reports, particularly concerning quarrying activities that have raised environmental concerns.
"There are hills being quarried and flattened, and this worries me because the permits involved are substantial," Archival stated. He highlighted specific infrastructure damage, noting that "even the bridge near the cemetery crossing the river has been destroyed, forcing residents to cross the river directly and creating severe traffic congestion."
Developer Accountability and Environmental Responsibility
The mayor expressed his concern that private developers might not be taking full responsibility for the environmental impact of their projects. He emphasized that progress should not solely focus on financial gains but must equally consider ecological preservation.
"I want developers to genuinely work on necessary measures to prevent damage. Development shouldn't just be about profit; it must also consider the environment," Archival declared. "When you destroy the environment, it comes back to affect us all."
City Monitoring and Future Precautions
Archival has specifically advised developers to ensure their housing projects do not harm surrounding ecosystems. He acknowledged that while developers rightfully profit from their ventures, they must guarantee their operations don't damage the environment, as the consequences extend beyond immediate vicinity and affect the entire community.
The city government is now strictly monitoring all subdivision activities in Bacayan, particularly those involving quarry operations, to prevent further environmental hazards. This intensified oversight aims to balance urban development with crucial environmental protection measures.
