Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has thrown his support behind a proposed citywide pause on new upland development projects. This move follows a call from Councilor Joel Garganera for a moratorium to allow a thorough review of environmental and safety risks.
Proposed Moratorium Halts New Permits
In a privilege speech delivered on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Councilor Joel Garganera called for an immediate halt to the issuance of new permits, clearances, and approvals for all upland development. This includes activities like quarrying and slope-cutting. The proposed moratorium, in the form of a resolution, would remain in effect until developers can demonstrate full compliance with national environmental laws and necessary flood-mitigation measures.
The goal is to pause construction temporarily, enabling a comprehensive assessment of existing policies, zoning ordinances, and risk evaluations. This step is seen as crucial to prevent further environmental damage while the city updates its regulatory framework.
Mayor Archival Enforces Stricter Regulations
Mayor Nestor Archival expressed strong agreement with the need for a review. He emphasized the city's commitment to enforcing strict regulations on activities that endanger watersheds and exacerbate flood risks. "We need to review the activities in the upland. If we see projects that have not followed the law, such as lacking proper permits, we will issue cease and desist orders," Archival stated in an interview with SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
He revealed that the city had previously ordered the closure of two quarry operations in Barangay Binaliw as part of its monitoring efforts. Archival also said he would direct the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) to immediately review all ongoing upland projects to verify their legal standing.
Technical Team and Broader Initiatives
The councilor's resolution outlines the creation of a composite technical team to lead the review process. This team will include representatives from:
- National agencies: Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
- Local offices: City Planning and Development Office, CENRO, Office of the Building Official, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Department of Engineering and Public Works.
- External experts: Academics like hydrologists, geologists, and civil engineers, alongside civil society representatives.
Beyond the construction pause, the city is also addressing the safety of residents in high-risk areas. The resolution recommends developing a citywide resettlement framework for families living along waterways, riverbanks, and other danger zones. This plan is considered the first phase of the city's response before major engineering projects are undertaken.
Mayor Archival highlighted his environmental priorities for 2026, focusing on greening and food security. "Our goal is to plant more trees to help mitigate flooding and strengthen our uplands. For this year alone, we have already planted 60,000 trees in the upland areas," he announced.
Balancing Sustainable Growth with Safety
The proposed measures signal a strategic shift toward prioritizing long-term environmental protection and public safety over unchecked expansion. Archival clarified that the city is not anti-development but is advocating for sustainable growth that safeguards both communities and natural resources.
By rigorously enforcing environmental laws and expanding tree-planting initiatives, city officials aim to build a more resilient Cebu. Archival concluded that responsible development and environmental stewardship today are essential to ensuring a safe, green, and prosperous city for future generations.
