Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro on Friday reiterated the strict enforcement of rules requiring quarry operators to plant trees, a measure aimed at boosting environmental protection following recent weather-related disasters.

In a memorandum, Baricuatro directed the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) to implement Section 3(c)(2) of Provincial Ordinance 2016-21.

The ordinance mandates that quarry permit holders must plant one tree seedling for every cubic meter of extracted minerals and quarry resources within their host and surrounding communities.

This comes in response to severe flooding, soil erosion and landslides in Cebu caused by consecutive typhoons this month, highlighting the need for stronger environmental safeguards in mining and quarry operations.

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

This initiative complements the governor’s broader efforts to prevent flash floods, including a push for integrated water management in Cebu.

Environmental protection has been a key priority for her administration; shortly after taking office, Baricuatro ordered a 30-day suspension of quarry operations to allow for a thorough review of contracts and compliance.

Under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act 7942), provincial governments are authorized to issue quarry permits for sites covering up to five hectares. Permits for larger areas are issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.