Cebu City breaks ground on three slope protection projects in Sirao

Local

THE Cebu City government has officially launched slope protection projects in Barangay Sirao, which aim to mitigate landslide risks in three critical areas: Sitio Langub, Proper, and Tawagan.

The groundbreaking ceremony, led by Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, took place on Tuesday, March 18. It marked the start of long-overdue engineering interventions in the landslide-prone areas.

Garcia explained the urgency of the projects, where he cited the dangers posed by unstable slopes that have progressively worsened over the years.

“Grabe na ka peligroso. You’ve seen it, you’ve passed by the Sirao Garden, and grabe na ka ni-cave in ang dalan. It’s extremely dangerous. If the road gives in, it will cause severe accidents. This has been an issue for two to three years with no action taken,” Garcia said.

The total cost of the projects is P19,380,168.82 for Sitio Tawagan, P15,295,949.24 for Sitio Proper, and P6,697,538.67 for Sitio Langub, bringing the total to P41,373,656.73.

NRMM Construction and Development Corporation is the contractor for the project.

The project will involve the installation of sheet piles, embankments, and the construction of concrete slabs to reinforce the affected areas. This will prevent further slope failures and ensure that roads leading to Sirao remain safe for residents, tourists, and local businesses.

Moreover, Garcia stressed the need to secure access roads to upland barangays for both residents' safety and local tourism.

“Sirao is one of our tourist attractions. It is crucial to keep our mountain roads safe so that people won’t be afraid to visit. This project is also about promoting our hinterlands while ensuring public safety,” he added.

While no accidents have been recorded in the affected areas, Garcia said it is better to take proactive measures than wait for a catastrophe.

“We cannot wait for something bad to happen before taking action,” Garcia said.

In 2024, Cebu City Councilor Edgardo “Jaypee” Labella II also issued a resolution urging residents of Sirao and nearby mountain barangays to stay vigilant and take precautions against the risks posed by continuous rains and recent landslides.

Aside from the three slope protection projects, the city government also broke ground on the P4,404,998.95 rehabilitation and improvement of the multipurpose building in Barangay Sirao.

Barangay Captain Felix Limotan emphasized how important the new project is for the community. He explained that the current barangay hall is too small and doesn't have enough office space, so the new project is essential for their work.

Limotan also mentioned that the slope protection project is key to keeping both drivers and pedestrians safe by reducing the risk of accidents due to unstable slopes.

“Kini sa barangay hall, grabe ka importante kaayo ni kay amo office gamay kaayo, daghan mi kuwang na offices mao kinahanglan kaayo ni namo na [project]. Grabe na ug impact sa barangay… sa slope protection… mao importante kaayo ni kay malayo sa risgo ang mga motorista ug ang mga tawo na muagi na diha,” he said.(TGP)