Crackdown on structures violating easement zone in Cebu shores tightened

CEBU CITY -- The provincial government of Cebu continued its crackdown against structures encroaching the 20-meter easement zone from the shores.

Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia on Tuesday, Jan 10, met with various stakeholders in Badian town and ordered the demolition of structures that violated the easement zone in Lambug Beach.

According to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, there were 92 structures that were illegally built in Lambug. The structures are owned by 28 individuals.

During the meeting, Garcia made the structure owners swear that they would observe the easement zone.

It was agreed that instead of 20 meters, the structures that were built within the easement zone will be set back to 15 meters while another five meters will serve as a buffer zone.

The owners were given until Feb. 15 to voluntarily tear down their structures.

Just like in Sta. Fe, Bantayan, sand erosion has been observed in Lambug.

To solve this, sand barriers must be put up in the area, the governor said.

The municipal government of Badian welcomed the governor’s intervention.

“Our mayor was very happy with the governor’s move because it will finally solve our problem with demarcation,” said Engr. Vicente Jojie Nillas, head of the town’s Office of the Building Official (OBO).

Among those that will be affected by the demarcation are some structures that were the subject of a cease and desist order after the town found out that they were built without necessary permits.

Nillas said personnel from the Capitol will be inspecting the structures next week for the start of the demolition.

“The owners will have until February 15 to demolish their structures. If they fail to do so, they will have to pay a fine,” said Nillas.