Groups rally in Capitol, raise environmental, livelihood concerns

Local

PROTESTERS on Wednesday. Oct. 15, gathered in front of the Cebu Provincial Capitol in Cebu City and called for action on long-standing environmental and livelihood concerns.

The rally was organized by the Sapangdaku River Community Stakeholders Association, Inc. (SARICOSA) and the Lamintak Norte Farmer-Beneficiaries Association (LANFABA), with participants from eight barangays in Toledo City and Medellin town.

Members of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) also joined.

The groups were calling on the provincial government to address delayed agrarian reform cases, illegal quarrying along the Hinulawan/Sapangdaku River, and declining fish catches affecting small-scale fisherfolk.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro went down from her office and met the protesters. She spoke with the demonstrators for around 15 minutes and reviewed copies of their petition. She asked police officers to step aside to ensure the rally remained peaceful.

Baricuatro said she has known some of the protesters since her campaign and noted that they have been raising their environmental concerns with the Capitol for several years.

In the petition, farmers reported that many homestead lots under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) remain undistributed.

In Hacienda Ada, Medellin, only seven out of 33 beneficiaries have received Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA), while others remain on a waiting list. Some farmers face eviction and rising land taxes.

They requested the provincial government provide farm tools, seeds, technical support, marketing assistance, and alternative livelihood programs to support food production.

Fisherfolk said their catches have declined due to industrial effluents and the presence of commercial fishers in municipal waters.

They asked the provincial government to conduct investigations, implement inclusive monitoring of industrial operations, and provide livelihood support during off-seasons and extreme weather.

Small-scale sand extractors reported that large quarry operators continue to extract sand and gravel from rivers and surrounding mountains despite a supposed moratorium.

They cited hazards to homes, schools, and flood-prone areas, and requested government support for community-led river rehabilitation and the construction of safe bridges.

Women participants highlighted the additional burdens of domestic work and caregiving amid poverty.

They requested livelihood opportunities, access to health services, and protection from past discriminatory practices that limited their ability to provide for their families.

After meeting the protesters, Baricuatro instructed the Capitol’s legal team to investigate reports of illegal quarrying operations, citing their role in flooding and landslides in Cebu.

She also referenced her administration’s previous suspension of quarrying activities last July pending review of potential violations.

The governor assured the protesters that the provincial government would coordinate with relevant agencies to address agrarian reform, environmental protection, fisherfolk concerns, and women’s livelihoods.(MyTVCebu)