Sibonga residents launch campaign against ‘environmentally degrading’ cement plant project, pier construction

Sibonga, Cebu — The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) joined various local organizations, led by Unifying Sectoral Responses on Environmental Protocols in Sibonga (USREPS), in solidifying opposition to the cement manufacturing plant, pier, and quarry site in Sibonga, Cebu, through launching a campaign entitled “Save Sibonga Movement” (SSM) on September 6, 2025.

The SSM was initiated by local groups in 2007 to collectively oppose industries harmful to the environment, according to USREPS Chairperson Chadwick Llanos. "One of the matters we question in this project is the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). In 2022, Brgy. Sabang called a meeting to assess the social acceptability of the proposed cement plant, quarrying in Sabang, Candaguit, and Mangyan mountains, and pier construction in Sabang. During this meeting, Bayan Cement Producers Corp. (BCPC) stated they were still using an old ECC from 2007. An ECC is valid for only five years if the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) area is not developed. Therefore, we consider this controversial," Llanos said.

In June 2023, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau 7 joined BCPC in a meeting called by the Brgy. Candaguit. "We were surprised to find out from MGB during the public consultation done in June 2023 that the application for MPSA had been amended to an exploration permit. Developments like this, especially when communities have expressed concerns on the issue, should have been part of an updating on the Environmental Impact Statement prior to a reinstatement. We opine that conditions within the 2006 scoping for the EIA are no longer the same conditions today. A reinstatement of a 13-year-old  ECC should have been subject to full disclosure. It made me ask: What are they hiding?” Llanos stressed.

In July 2024, the Sibonga Municipal Council passed the proposed establishment of BCPC facilities. Residents have been fighting against the cement manufacturing project since BCPC proposed it. The campaign launch facilitated planning sessions on legal interventions, information campaigns, and youth engagement, among others. 

“BCPC has assured residents that the mangroves will not be affected, and the project will provide jobs for the Cebuanos, according to reports. These are all words as the project will course through a mangrove area and will surely disrupt fisherfolk's lives and livelihood. Mangroves are a potent carbon sink and provide protection in the event of storm surges. We should not disguise destructive and extractive projects as 'economic development' when they clearly treat residents as collateral,” said PMCJ Visayas Coordinator Estela Vasquez.

The project includes a 16-hectare cement plant area in Sabang, a 410.47-hectare mining claim area in Sabang, Mangyan, and Candaguit, and a 2.2-hectare pier area in Sabang, according to reports.

“The people of Sibonga have been reaching out to the local government unit to voice their concerns—submitted letters, facilitated signature campaigns, secured affidavits—but to no avail. The PMCJ, along with other organizations, lauds the continuous efforts of Sibonga residents to protect their land and seas,” Vasquez said.

The quarrying of mountains, especially in rocky areas with active faultlines (Sayao, Banlot, Libo, Bato, Manatad, and Bae), poses a significant threat to life, similar to incidents in Naga and Toledo in 2018 and 2020, according to USREPS during the event. Mountains are sources of water, and forests are crucial for sustainable development. The reclassification of land, particularly in Sabang and Bahay, to suit the cement industry, is also a concern.

“We must protect the environment that protects us. We should defend the food producers who provide food for us. This grave issue in Sibonga is a classic incident of the powers-that-be prioritizing profit over people and the environment. The land and seas could talk through catastrophic phenomena such as landslides, flooding, and declining fish catch. All we have to do is listen and heed the affected communities' plea for climate and social justice. Save Sibonga now!” said Laica Rayel, PMCJ Food, Land, Water, and Climate campaign officer. ###

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FOR INQUIRIES:

Sheila Abarra

Senior Media and Communications Officer

Philippine Movement for Climate Justice

mediacommunications@climatejustice.ph

Viber: +639916692356