DENR gives permits for 9 Metro Cebu flyovers

At least nine flyover projects in Metro Cebu were issued Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7).

They include the two proposed flyovers in Gorordo Avenue and M.J. Cuenco Avenue, which were put on hold last week by the Department of Public Works and Highways amid objections from private stakeholders in Cebu about the lack of consultation and sound planning behind the projects.

The list was confirmed yesterday by William Cunado, Environmental Impact Assessment division chief for DENR-Environment Management Bureau (EMB).

The ECCs also cover flyover proposals for A. Soriano Jr. to J. Luna, and N. Bacalos to V. Rama Avenue in Cebu City.

Cunado said the ECC would only be canceled if no “ground developments” are carried out five years after it was issued. He said requirements were met before the the documents were issued.

Cunado said one flyover project—labled “Sto. Nino, Cebu City”— was not issued an ECC because of discrepancies in the application.

He said the DPWH lacked some preevaluation requirements like the street location where the flyover would be built.

“For Sto. Nino, no specific area was given,” Cunado said.

Fernando Quililan, DENR-EMB-7 regional director, said his office would be open to hearing any request for a review of the issued ECCs if one is made.

“We will look into the apprehension of the communities. We can’t ignore the misgivings of the people,” he said.

But he said DENR can’t easily cancel an ECC unless it would be “life threatening or in an isolated or very complicated case”

“We will stand by what we issue,” Quililan said.