Cebu City Officials Advocate for Preservation of Iconic Hiking Trails
Officials from Barangay Tisa in Cebu City have formally appealed to Mayor Nestor Archival to take action in preserving several popular hiking trails located in the southern mountainous areas of the city. This move comes amid growing concerns that ongoing and planned development projects could result in the permanent closure of these cherished outdoor routes.
Formal Request and Trail Details
In a letter dated January 28, 2026, Barangay Tisa has called for city intervention to protect hiking trails that connect Tisa to Starbuks, Baksan in Sapangdaku, and the so-called Spartan trails leading to Buhisan and Pamutan. Copies of this letter were also provided to Councilors Paul Labra and Phillip Zafra, highlighting the collaborative effort to address this issue.
According to barangay officials, certain sections of the trail leading to Starbuks have already been damaged due to the continuous development activities associated with Monterrazas de Cebu. They further noted that, based on information received, vendors along the Starbuks trail have been informed that the area might be included in expansion plans for Monterrazas de Cebu or the Rise at Monterrazas project.
Community Impact and Importance
While acknowledging the significance of development for urban progress, the barangay emphasized that these trails are utilized weekly by hundreds of residents from Tisa and neighboring areas for recreation, exercise, and overall health benefits. "These trails have become an integral part of the daily lives of many Cebuano hikers," stated the letter, underscoring their cultural and social value to the local community.
Proposed Solutions and Stakeholder Involvement
To resolve this pressing issue, Barangay Tisa has proposed a multi-stakeholder meeting aimed at finding ways to preserve the trails while balancing development objectives. Key groups identified for inclusion in the discussions are:
- 8990 Development Corporation
- Arcenas Development Corporation
- Owners of Celestial Garden and Good Shepherd compounds
- Representatives from barangays including Tisa, Buhisan, Sapangdaku, Guadalupe, and Pamutan
Barangay Tisa officials expressed their continued support for the city government's plans regarding urban development and progress. However, they remain hopeful that these initiatives can be aligned with sustainability principles and provide the community with continued access to open spaces and natural environments.
