Cordova council rejects plea to defer quarry ban

The Cordova municipal council has practically turned down the recent appeal of the quarry operators to defer the approval of an ordinance banning mineral exploration, especially Mactan stones, in the town.

Representatives of businessman Ed Uyfang and other people engaged in the quarrying of Mactan stones visited the municipal council last week and told the council members that a number of families will be affected by the ban.

However, Vice Mayor Danilo Sinugbuhan and the councilors informed the group that they are determined to approve the ordinance.

Sinugbuhan said the municipal government should act now before it is too late because the quarrying activities, done in almost all barangays, have threatened the town's environment.

Councilor Greg Jumao-as, chairman of the committee on environment and tourism, shared the observation of the vice-mayor. "Dili kita gusto nga anha na mulihok kon aduna nay dagkong mga panghitabo sa atong lungsod," he said.

Jumao-as said the municipal council also plans to cancel all existing quarry operations in the town, as he insisted that Cordova is a place ideal for tourism and not for mining. - Jose P. Sollano