A mayor in Bohol has suspended new subdivision projects and a vice mayor has called for an investigation into a cultural hub, citing environmental and safety issues following deadly floods in nearby Cebu province.
Dauis Mayor Marietta Sumaylo on November 12 ordered the suspension of all new subdivision development in the town, expressing alarm over the proliferation of projects, particularly at Dayo Hill in Barangay Mayacabac.
“This is not about being anti-development,” Sumaylo said in a statement. “This is about being on the side of caution.”
The mayor said the moratorium was necessary to protect the environment and ensure public safety, citing the need to verify compliance with environmental laws, including proper drainage and waste management systems.
Sumaylo said she had previously suspended subdivision developments from 2021 to 2022 but projects resumed under her predecessor.
Existing structures on Dayo Hill, including a hotel, are not affected.
In the city of Tagbilaran, Vice Mayor Adam Jala on November 11 voiced fears about construction of the Regional Cultural Hub on Mt. Banat-i Hill in Barangay Bool.
During a city council session, Jala called the project “a disaster waiting to happen,” directly referencing recent flooding in Cebu as a warning.
He called for reopening an investigation into the hub to ensure full regulatory compliance and urged measures to protect the hill and prioritize reforestation.
“There should be accountability on those who may have violated the law,” Jala said.
The Bohol provincial government is meanwhile seeking to formalize a housing board to address development planning.
Governor Aris Aumentado on November 11 led a meeting to draft an ordinance establishing the body in provincial law.
Meanwhile, Youth group Kabataan for Change on November 14 hosted a discussion on environmental lessons from Cebu’s devastating floods when Typhoon Tino struck on November 3-4, 2025.
“The wanton destruction of the environment has caused problems that we are seeing,” said host Carl Hinlo, citing deforestation and poor environmental management.