The Cebu Provincial Government has enforced strictly an ordinance requiring quarry permit holders to plant one tree seedling for every cubic meter of extracted minerals and quarry resources within their host and surrounding communities.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro issued a memorandum on November 17, 2025 directing Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Chief Rodel Bontuyan to implement Section 3(c)(2) of Provincial Ordinance 2016-21, which created additional division, sections, and permanent positions in PENRO.

"The measure comes in response to recent flooding, soil erosion, and landslides in Cebu brought by consecutive typhoons this month, highlighting the need for stronger environmental safeguards in mining and quarry operations," said Cebu Provincial Information Office (PIO) in a post on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

In addition to the mandatory tree planting, the ordinance also requires quarry permittees to donate healthy endemic and fruit-bearing seedlings to the provincial nurseries, and build adequate drainage canals within their project sites during the validity of their permits. 

Compliance with these requirements will be evaluated before permits are renewed, the Cebu PIO post added. 

"This initiative complements the governor’s broader efforts to prevent flash floods, including the push for integrated water management in Cebu. it can be recalled that immediately after assuming office, she ordered a 30-day suspension of quarry operations in the province to allow a thorough review of contracts and compliance, underscoring that environmental protection has been a key priority of her administration from the outset," Capitol PIO said further. 

Under Section 43 of Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, provincial governments may issue quarry permits for sites covering up to five hectares. Permits exceeding this limit are issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

(Courtesy: Cebu Province/Capitol PIO)