Execs urged: Check return of illegal quarry

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera has urged authorities to intensify the monitoring of quarrying operations, warning that illegal activities may have resumed in certain areas.

In an interview, Garganera, who speaks in his capacity as chairman of the Committee on Environment of the City Council, stressed that inspections should not be confined to development sites alone, as quarrying poses serious risks to the environment and public safety if left unchecked.

The councilor’s call comes after he personally observed large trucks in Binaliw hauling materials, which raised suspicions that quarrying activities may have resumed without proper permits. But Binaliw, he added, is just one area. According to him, there are other areas in the city that may be doing the same.

Garganera stressed that such movements cannot be ignored, as they suggest possible violations of environmental regulations and highlight the need for immediate inspection and enforcement.

Residents and environmental groups have long expressed concern over quarrying in Cebu City, citing its impact on soil stability and water systems, as well as its potential to worsen flooding and landslides.

Garganera noted that while construction projects often draw public scrutiny, quarrying operations can be more difficult to detect, especially when conducted in remote areas.

He warned that illegal extraction undermines environmental safeguards and contributes to long-term ecological damage.Unchecked quarrying not only depletes natural resources but also erodes community resilience against climate-related hazards. —