The vibrant spirit of Cebu is being suffocated under the weight of its own progress, as one of the province's most respected voices laments the visible deterioration of this once-pristine paradise. The signs are everywhere for those willing to see beyond the surface glitter of development.
The Disappearing Green
Where lush greenery once defined Cebu's landscape, concrete now dominates the horizon. The relentless march of urbanization has left little room for nature to breathe, with trees being sacrificed for parking lots and open spaces vanishing beneath commercial complexes.
A River of Sorrow
The condition of Cebu's waterways tells a particularly distressing story. What were once life-giving arteries flowing through communities have become open sewers, carrying not just water but the collective neglect of generations. The famous rivers now stand as monuments to environmental indifference.
The Air We Breathe
Air quality has deteriorated to alarming levels, with the haze of pollution often obscuring the beautiful Cebuano sky. The increasing number of vehicles combined with industrial emissions creates a toxic cocktail that residents breathe daily, raising serious health concerns for the population.
A Call to Remember
There was a time when Cebu's natural beauty was its crown jewel—when clear waters, fresh air, and green spaces weren't luxuries but everyday realities. The contrast between that remembered past and the challenging present creates a profound sense of loss among long-time residents.
The Path Forward
While the situation appears dire, hope persists through collective action. The article serves as both a eulogy for what's been lost and a rallying cry for restoration. It challenges every Cebuano to become stewards of their environment before the damage becomes irreversible.
The message is clear: Cebu is at a crossroads, and the choices made today will determine whether this beloved city recovers its environmental health or continues its downward spiral.
