Capitol dads ban backhoes in Sapangdaku river quarrying

Busy day for quarrying in the Sapangdaku river in Toledo City. (CDN FILE PHOTO)

The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) yesterday approved a resolution banning the use of backhoes in river quarrying.

The measure came days after the Toledo City Council issued a resolution to halt quarrying in the Sapangdaku River in barangay Magdugo for the next five years.

The resolution  authored by PB Member Grecilda Sanchez-Zaballero of the 3rd district said backhoes cause substantial damage on river banks and disturb residents in the area during evening operations.

During the PB session, Toledo City Councilor James Gaite described how how sand and gravel quarrying  had damaged the Sapangdaku River. He  said the city supports the creation of a rehabilitation plan for the river.

Aside from a rehabilitation  plan, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) suggested the creation of a regulatory board for river quarrying.

Contractors

Engr. Edgar Lagarnia, MGB specialist, said some contractors continue to operate without permits. The regulatory board will be chaired by MGB regional director Engr. Loreto Alburo and co-chaired by Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III.

Czareem Joseph Estella, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) chief, earlier asked the MGB to stop issuing permits in the entire Sapangdaku River.

He said the Cebu provincial government never issued permits to quarry in Sapangdaku River since Davide became governor in June 2013.

PENRO is in charge of issuing permits on river quarry operations for entailing five hectares and below while the MGB issues permits on quarrying for areas of more than five hectares.