Council defers approval of slope protection project

CEBU, Philippines — A proposed slope protection project in Barangay Agsungot hit a snag before the Cebu City Council after the proponent reportedly failed to defend its purpose and after inconsistencies were found in the contract.

In the most recent regular session, Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairperson of the Committee on Infrastructure, filed a resolution seeking the council's approval to authorize outgoing Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to enter into a construction agreement with NRMMM Construction and Development Corporation for a slope protection project in Sitio Upper, Barangay Agsungot, Cebu City.

The budget proposal is around P16.3 million, according to the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) resolution as indicated in the contract transmitted to the council.

However, during the discussion, Councilor and Mayor-elect Nestor Archival asked for clarity on the importance of the project at this point in time. Then-presiding officer, Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, suggested that councilors from the north district shed light on the situation where the project is being proposed.

Guardo, on the other hand, recalled that he had delivered a privilege speech on the matter due to incidents of landslides in the area.

 Kay there was already a report from MGB (Mines Geosciences Bureau) nga high-risk na gyud kaayo, hazardous na gyud kaayo,  said Guardo.

While Guardo, alongside other council members, stated that the slope protection is proposed around Lower Agsungot, Pesquera, upon reviewing the contract, pointed out that it is for Sitio Upper. She, thus, recommended deferring the approval of the resolution.

North District Councilor Pastor  Jun  Alcover then explained that Agsungot is currently facing two issues one is a fencing development in Lower Agsungot.

 Mao sad na siyay problema dira sad kay kung mo-uwan, mo baha man, mo lapok, lain sad tung sa Upper Agsungot, ang upper..ning collapse ang mga dalan didto,  said Alcover.

In line with this, Archival recommended deferring the approval, as there was no clear indication of the specific area affected.

Archival, also a north district councilor, confirmed that the only area experiencing heavy flooding is where new development is taking place, as explained by Alcover.

He further said that he had delivered a privilege speech regarding the area, asking the developer to address the problem.

 But right now, it seems like they are correcting it, mao nang dako kaayo nang problema,  said Archival.

 Unya ang gobyerno na hinuon mo gasto,  Pesquera commented.

As the discussion progressed, Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos questioned the necessity of approving the resolution and suggested waiting for the incoming administration, which will include new council members.

 Is this between life and death to the constituency of Barangay Agsungot? Because if the answer is no, then prudence dictates that I think we have to wait for the new administration,  said de los Santos.

 Considering also that member Guardo cannot personally be monitoring on the particular project,  she added.

Guardo is currently serving his last term as a councilor, which will end on June 30.

Pesquera noted that the proposed contract stated that the project is intended for protection against  theft, robbery, pilferage or fire,  highlighting that this does not align with the slope protection purpose being promoted.

In light of these factors, Guardo then moved for the deferment of the resolution for a week.

In August 2020, The Freeman reported that the Cebu City Government had temporarily closed the road in Sitio Lower Agsungot, Barangay Agsungot following a series of landslides in the area.

At that time, Guardo, who inspected the area with personnel from MGB, said the road closure was a preventive measure due to the unpredictability of the situation