Another meeting set for Kawasan Falls

CEBU, Philippines - Kawasan Falls is still closed to tourists and the date of its reopening will be known when Governor Gwendolyn Garcia meets again with the owners of illegal structures built around it on June 13.

Provincial Engineer Adolfo Quiroga said the May 24-deadline earlier set by the governor was only for the restoration of the riverway’s natural beauty.

Quiroga, who also heads the Provincial and Development Office, said Garcia gave them until May 24 to totally remove all ripraps and structures that served as bridges to the falls. They also got rid of the kiosks, metal rails and picnic tables.

Quiroga said they planted vines and other plants at the riverbank yesterday to restore the natural beauty of the falls’ immediate surroundings.

He said Garcia called for a third meeting for the owners on June 13 and will ask them to voluntarily vacate and demolish the structures still standing around the falls.          

Otherwise, Quiroga said, the Cebu Provincial Government will pursue the criminal charges they have prepared against the owners before the court.

The provincial engineer further said that Garcia will most likely announce on June 13 when to reopen the falls to the public.

The buildings which are now still standing are operated by local residents who formed the Kawasan Nature Park Multi-Purpose Cooperative and resort owner Wilhelmino “Willy” Saldua.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7 are scheduled to end today its own ground survey to check whether there is a violation of the easement zone under the Water Code of the Philippines or Presidential Decree No. 1067. — (FREEMAN)