Cebu governor halts quarrying activities of 2 firms

Local

CITING environmental concerns and public safety, the Cebu Provincial Government has halted quarrying activities of two major firms in southern Cebu for 30 days.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia issued cease-and-desist orders (CDOs) on Monday, February 17, against Apo Land and Quarry Corporation (ALQC) in the City of Naga and Solid Earth Development Corporation (SEDC) in San Fernando, requiring both companies to stop all earth-moving operations starting on Tuesday noon, February 18.

The suspension extends previous executive orders (EOs) that expired on February 10.

Officials will use this period to continue an environmental audit, conduct a comprehensive risk assessment, and determine the carrying capacity of the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) areas of the two firms.

The temporary shutdown may disrupt cement production in Cebu, particularly affecting Apo Cement and Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc., which rely on materials from ALQC and SEDC.

ALQC supplies limestone, clay, and greywacke for Apo Cement’s plant in Naga, while SEDC provides raw materials to Taiheiyo Cement in San Fernando.

Garcia’s EO 5, series of 2025, orders ALQC to stop operations, extending a previous suspension under EO 2, issued on January 10, 2025.

That order had already extended EO 22 from December 2, 2024, which first halted ALQC’s activities following concerns about ongoing quarrying in landslide-prone areas.

Government officials pointed to the September 2018 landslide in Barangay Tinaan, Naga, which killed more than 70 people.

The earlier orders stressed that continued quarrying in these areas showed “apparent disregard of the safety of the inhabitants living within and/or near the said areas.”

ALQC operates quarry sites in Pangdan, Tinaan, Naalad, Mainit, Inoburan, and Langtad.

Meanwhile, Garcia’s EO 6, series of 2025, directs SEDC to comply with EO 3, which previously suspended its quarrying and port operations in Barangays Tinubdan, Tananas, Tonggo, Basak, North Poblacion, South Poblacion, and Panadtaran.

The provincial government has warned that authorities will strictly monitor compliance with the suspension order.

Both ALQC and SEDC must submit a comprehensive safety plan within 30 days to address environmental and safety risks.

Garcia reiterated that the suspension prioritizes the welfare of communities near quarry sites over corporate interests.

“The Provincial Government values the safety of communities living near MPSA areas, as well as environmental protection over and above corporate profits,” the EOs stated.(MyTVCebu)