Road Project Buries Malaybalay Eco-Tourism Spots; City Council Demands Accountability

Local lawmakers are calling for an immediate investigation after an ongoing massive bypass road project reportedly caused severe gravel erosion, completely burying Malinao Creek and Kiagong Falls in Barangay Kalasungay.

The environmental disaster was officially brought to light by City Councilor Flaviano Gapol, Jr. during a regular legislative session. Delivering a privilege speech, Gapol revealed that heavy construction activities have triggered massive land and gravel displacements, choking the waterways and submerging the two famous local eco-tourism destinations.

Government Agencies Summoned

In response to the incident, the City Council’s Committee on Environment announced a swift, multi-agency inquiry. The panel plans to officially summon: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which oversees the regional infrastructure project.; The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), regarding environmental compliance monitoring.; The private contracting company directly managing the roadwork.

The bypass and diversion network is designed to link the municipalities of Manolo Fortich and Impasug-ong directly to the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia. However, local leaders emphasize that infrastructure development must not come at the expense of Bukidnon’s critical ecosystem.

Contractor Claims Ignorance

Meanwhile, fellow legislator and number-one Councilor Jason Ayala noted that the project’s contractor claimed they were entirely unaware of the severe ecological degradation happening on the ground. According to Ayala, the private firm has promised to rehabilitate and clear the buried eco-tourism sites, but only after the entire road network is finished.

Local tribal leaders have previously expressed deep concern over the construction area. Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Tribal Chief Joemar Sario had formally requested an assessment from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). CENRO’s subsequent inspection confirmed critical environmental disturbances, including heavy siltation along the riverbanks and severe erosion.

The City Council plans to hold its initial committee hearing next week to determine whether the contractor will face structural penalties or immediate suspension of their environmental clearance certificates.