Construction of the Mangrove Road initiative undergoes a temporary pause for evaluation.

Halt on Coastal Road Project in Cebu City for Environmental Review

The construction of an alternative road connecting F. Gabuya Extension to the South Road Properties (SRP) in Barangays Inayawan and Cogon Pardo, Cebu City, has been put on ice for a technical review, following environmental concerns.

Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros has issued a cease and desist order (CDO) against the P97-million project by WTG Construction and Development Corporation, citing potential damage to the mangrove-rich ecosystems in the area.

The CDO prohibits the dumping of filling materials along the mangrove coastline of Cogon Pardo.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) spearheaded the road construction project intended to provide an alternative route to the SRP.

The recent stall in construction is a result of a resolution passed by the Coastline Management Board (CMB) several months ago, which advocated for the preservation of mangroves in Inayawan and Cogon Pardo.

On March 11, 2025, the CMB introduced Resolution 2025-03-01, penned by Representative Joed Caballero, requesting the Cebu City Council to pass ordinances in support of mangrove conservation and growth.

An investigation by the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCenro) led by Juan Pablo Yao of its Technical Services Unit revealed that century-old mangroves are naturally growing in the area.

During an initial assessment, CCenro reported to the Rivers Management Council on June 4 that mangroves in Cogon Pardo were being buried under the filling materials used in the road construction.

As a response, Mayor Hontiveros instructed CCenro to assemble a technical conference with all parties involved to tackle the issue and ensure that environmental regulations are upheld. (EHP)

Project Summary- Project Intent: The project involves constructing an alternate road to link F. Gabuya Extension to the South Road Properties (SRP), with a budget of P97 million. It is managed by the DPWH and is being executed by WT Construction (1 & 2).- Project Status: The project is currently undergoing a temporary hold after a cease and desist order was issued due to environmental concerns and the need for a technical review (1 & 2).

Environmental Issues- Mangrove Protection: The primary apprehension is the preservation of the "century-old" mangroves in the area, as CCenro's inspection uncovered these being buried under construction materials (1 & 2).- Mangrove Conservation Push: The Coastline Management Board previously advocated for the legislative protection of mangroves in Inayawan and Cogon Pardo, much like the need for conservation measures (1 & 2).- Technical Review and Meeting: In order to address the issue, Acting Mayor Hontiveros has directed CCenro to convene a technical conference with all relevant parties (2).

The short-term suspension of the project underscores Cebu City's commitment to balancing development and environmental protection, particularly in preserving mangrove ecosystems.

The halt on the Coastal Road Project in Cebu City has brought attention to the intersection of environmental-science and politics, as the preservation of century-old mangroves has become a contentious issue.
The environmental concerns regarding the Coastal Road Project in Cebu City have led to discussions in the realm of general-news, as the protection of mangrove ecosystems challenges developers and policymakers to adhere to scientific knowledge on environmental conservation.
As the project team assembles for a technical conference, the city of Cebu must prioritize both science and environmental-science, looking to the long-term impact of the project on the city's mangrove forests.

Construction of the Mangrove Road initiative undergoes a temporary pause for evaluation.