Cebu — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Central Visayas is moving forward with critical safety measures, formally asking the Cebu City Council for approval to clear and relocate vegetation along the Butuanon River. Filed under the 2026 Infrastructure Program, the request targets 113 assorted trees located within Barangay Bacayan to clear the footprint for a major flood mitigation initiative. As low-lying residential communities continue to face severe overflow risks during heavy downpours, local agencies are weighing urgent structural protections against long-standing environmental conservation standards.
Assessing the Environmental Footprint
According to a joint inspection report conducted by government teams, 113 trees fall directly within the planned construction path of the upcoming river improvements. Under the submitted proposal, 67 non-native species—including gmelina, mango, tamarind, mahogany, acacia, pomelo, and breadnut—have been recommended for cutting. Meanwhile, 46 native trees such as narra, talisay, balete, and binunga are slated for earth-balling, a specialized technique that carefully uproots and relocates them to preserve their survival. Environmental regulators emphasized that tree removal is treated strictly as a last resort to ensure engineering works do not unnecessarily compromise local biodiversity.
Navigating Local Permits and Preservation Rules
Before any heavy machinery breaks ground, the project must clear rigorous local environmental compliance guidelines established by the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO). While the DPWH has already secured a Certificate of Non-Coverage from the Environmental Management Bureau alongside a certificate of no objection from Barangay Bacayan, municipal ordinances mandate strict safeguards. Applicants are required to donate 100 indigenous saplings for every single tree cut down and post a substantial monetary bond for each earth-balled tree to guarantee proper maintenance. Lawmakers and committees continue to review revised project scopes to ensure active funding directly matches the scale of land clearing.
Mitigating Flood Risks for Vulnerable Communities
The Butuanon River has historically posed significant flash-flood threats to surrounding neighborhoods during intense weather events, making structural reinforcement an absolute priority for regional planners. By widening bottleneck sections and constructing durable flood-control walls, the government aims to safeguard hundreds of households from recurring property damage and displacement. Balancing ecological preservation with climate resilience remains a delicate tightrope, but local officials stress that proactive engineering is essential to protect human lives and secure sustainable community development across Metro Cebu.
