Garcia sets Oct. 4 deadline for demolition of illegal structures in sea of Cordova, Cebu
CEBU CITY – Gov. Gwen Garcia has ordered removal of floating or fixed cottages as part of the efforts to rehabilitate the seawaters of Cordova, Cebu.

Garcia issued Executive Order (EO) No. 36 on Wednesday, Sept. 21, giving owners, operators, and authorities until Oct. 4 to remove the illegal structures that encroached on the locality’s easement and foreshore zones.
The governor said that floating and fixed cottages have been obstructing the navigational waters and fishing activities within the coastal areas of Cordova that caused “unsightly nuisances thereon in violation of the policies laid down in Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009.”
Garcia said several laws were violated after it was found out that the structures were constructed on the established easements.
It was also discovered that the structures have no proper waste management, causing pollution in the area.
Garcia said the removal of the illegal structures was “unanimously agreed” in a stakeholder’s meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Cordova Sports Complex.
The governor has issued a series of EOs to address the worsening state of the town’s coastal waters.
The Department of Health-Central Visayas has warned the public against swimming in at least eight areas in Cordova due to high levels of fecal coliform.
A test conducted by the Environmental Management Bureau-Central Visayas showed that the level of fecal coliform in seven areas ranged from 170 to 2,400 most probable numbers (MPN) per 100 milliliters (ml).
The allowable level of fecal coliform for coastal waters to be safe for bathing or swimming is at 100 MPN per 100 ml.
Health officials have warned that fecal coliform causes of water-borne diseases once a person accidentally drinks or ingests contaminated waters.
Garcia has earlier issued an EO that prohibits swimming and similar activities in coastal waters in Cordova.