Guv issues EOs for sea rehab

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has issued two executive orders to ensure rehabilitation of the coastal waters of Cordova town.

Garcia issued Executive Order No. 35 prohibiting public swimming in the foreshore area, mangrove zone, public beach zone and municipal fishing zone in the coastal waters of Cordova.

This after a sampling found fecal coliform in those waters.

“The DENR EMB-7 has found through a verified and scientific ambient coastal water sampling, that the coastal waters within Catarman, Cordova Cebu  were not maintained in safe and satisfactory conditions in violation of DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08,” reads part of the EO No. 35 dated September 20, 2022.

Following alleged violation of environmental laws in Cordova, Garcia also issued a separate executive order.

Another executive order issued by Garcia orders the demolition and removal of illegal structures like floating and fixed cottages in the coastal waters of Cordova within two weeks.

This was agreed by the stakeholders during their meeting on September 20 in Cordova.

“It was unanimously agreed that every concerned owner or claimant shall demolish or remove their illegal structures, such as floating and fixed cottages, within the coastal waters of the Municipality of Cordova within two (2) weeks therefrom or until October 4, 2022 in compliance with the easement, environmental and health laws and regulations,” EO No. 36 reads.

During the said meeting, Garcia vowed that the Capitol would give financial assistance of P10,000 each to the 73 owners of floating cottages and 54 owners of fixed cottages.

In a Sugbo News report, the news portal of Cebu Province, it was reported that 16 stall owners at the port of Bantayan Bay in Barangay Poblacion which will be affected will also receive a P10, 000  financial assistance from the Capitol.

Also, the 147 boat operators whose livelihood will also be affected will receive P5,000 each.

The same report stated that  those who will voluntarily demolish their stalls or cottages are eligible to receive P10,000 worth of Sugbo Negosyo card which will be used to redeem from the partner merchants of the Capitol. — JMD (FREEMAN)