CENRO City Environment & Natural Resources Office Lapu Lapu City

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐉𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐘𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐀𝐏𝐔-𝐋𝐀𝐏𝐔 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘

A swarm of thimble jellyfish was spotted along the Marigondon Causeway this afternoon, June 2, 2026, prompting immediate action from the Lapu-Lapu City Government, through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

CENRO immediately deployed personnel to the area after receiving reports from concerned residents. An inspection team from the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC) and CENRO conducted an on-site assessment and confirmed the sighting.

CENRO Fish Examiner Orlando Leyson identified the species as the thimble jellyfish. He warned that contact with these jellyfish can cause intense skin irritation, resulting in painful red rashes and severe itching that may last for several days.

Leyson explained that thimble jellyfish commonly swarm during periods of elevated water temperatures and are often carried closer to shore by ocean currents.

The City Government through the leadership of Mayor Cindi King Chan reminds the public, especially beachgoers, to remain vigilant and avoid swimming in areas where jellyfish are present.

VIA | CENRO CNU Interns

Lapu-Lapu City Charts with 3-Day Urban Biodiversity Management Planning Workshop

In a move to balance rapid urbanization with environmental preservation with the efforts of The Lapu-Lapu City Government through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) launched a comprehensive three-day Urban Biodiversity Management Planning Workshop today, at the ABC Hall.

Under the leadership of Mayor Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, the session brings together city officials, and representatives from selected department, Resource Speakers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7), and CENRO Cebu city staffs.

The workshop serves as a critical intervention for Lapu-Lapu City to institutionalize its biodiversity programs, ensuring that the "historic resort city" remains livable amidst climate change. The primary goal is to produce a definitive City Biodiversity Map and a consolidated list of environmental priorities to guide future policy.

The event opened with a call to action from City Councilor Rufo Bering, who emphasized the city’s geographical responsibility and highlighted that the city's identity is inseparable from its natural resources.

"We are a unique island city bound by the sea, entrusted with these thresholds. That is why it is vital to nurture them." Bering stated.

Expert Mr. Luther Dejadena, Officer-in Charge Head of CENRO Cebu City, led the first session, focusing on the "Legal Framework for Biodiversity," and cited several landmark Philippine laws; (1) RA 9147 Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), (2) RA 9729 Climate Change Act of 2009, (3) RA 11038 Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act.

It also mentioned the concept of "Green and Blue Spaces," emphasizing that for an island like Lapu-Lapu, biodiversity management must cover both land (Green) and water (Blue).

Continuing the afternoon session, the OIC head of CENRO Maam Jocelyn Abayan and Sir Luther, presented the initial results of the City Biodiversity Index along with stakeholder Mapping, identifying critical areas such as mangroves, rivers, and urban forests.

As the three-day workshop continues, these initial efforts mark the beginning of a more sustainable future for Lapu-Lapu City. By combining local data with strong legal frameworks, the city is well on its way to creating a definitive biodiversity map that protects both its land and sea.

VIA| CENRO CNU Journalism Interns

LAPU-LAPU CITY OFFICIALLY JOINS PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENT MONTH

The City Government of Lapu-Lapu officially joined the nationwide observance of Philippine Environment Month today, June 1, through a ceremonial banner-pulling activity led by Mayor Cindi King-Chan, marking the beginning of the month-long celebration with the theme, “Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future.”

The opening program was conducted in partnership with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), headed by Ms. Jocelyn Mellino Abayan, highlighting the City's continued commitment to environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable development.

The theme emphasizes the vital connection between nature, climate action, and our future. It serves as a call for collective responsibility and encourages everyone to take meaningful steps toward protecting the environment and addressing the challenges of climate change.

In line with this year's celebration, the City Government encourages everyone to take part in protecting the environment through simple yet meaningful actions, including proper waste segregation, reducing plastic consumption, conserving natural resources, and helping preserve local ecosystems.

As Lapu-Lapu City is blessed with abundant natural resources, we must all do our part to appreciate, protect, and preserve these gifts for future generations.







VIA | Eula Mae Dela Victoria and Niña Therese Cadalin, CNU Interns

A Month of Action for Nature: June 2026 Environmental Activities

In celebration of Philippine Environment Month 2026 with the theme "Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future," the City Government of Lapu-Lapu with the leadership of Mayor Cindi King Chan, through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), headed by Ms. Jocelyn Mellino Abayan presents the official lineup of activities for the month of June.

📅 Check out the schedule below and join the various environmental activities prepared throughout the month.

Beyond these scheduled activities, we encourage our communities, organizations, schools, businesses, and institutions to take the initiative in conducting their own environmental programs and actions. Likewise, all barangays are encouraged to organize environmental activities within their respective areas in support of the celebration.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) remains ready to provide technical assistance, resource speakers, and coordination support for environmental activities that promote conservation, environmental awareness, climate action, and community participation.

Together, let us make environmental stewardship a daily practice and continue working toward a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Lapu-Lapu City.

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

The City Government of Lapu-Lapu joins the nation in celebrating Philippine Environment Month with this year's theme:

🍃 "Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future."

Today marks the opening of the month-long celebration led by Mayor Cindi King Chan, with the support of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) headed by Ms. Jocelyn Mellino Abayan, reaffirming the City's commitment to environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable development.

As an island city blessed with rich marine resources, diverse ecosystems, and thriving communities, Lapu-Lapu recognizes that a healthy environment is the foundation of our economy, tourism, and quality of life.

Over the years, the City has achieved significant environmental milestones, including the implementation of the Purok-Based Solid Waste Management System, regulation of single-use plastics, support for the protection of the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, strengthening of waste diversion and recycling programs, enhancement of coastal and marine conservation efforts, and the conduct of environmental education and community awareness campaigns.

These accomplishments reflect the City's continuing commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and more climate-resilient Lapu-Lapu. Yet, while much has been achieved, there is still a long way to go. The challenges of pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing waste generation remind us that environmental stewardship requires the collective effort of government, communities, businesses, and every citizen.

This Environment Month, let us be inspired by nature and take meaningful action in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. Through simple yet impactful practices, such as proper waste segregation, reducing plastic use, conserving resources, and protecting our natural ecosystems, we can all contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.

Together, let us be inspired by nature, act for the climate, and work for the future of Lapu-Lapu City.

LOOK | INSPECTION AGAINST ILLEGAL FLOATING VESSEL

The Lapu-Lapu City Government through the leadership of Mayor Cindi King Chan, with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) conducted an inspection and verification in Barangay Maribago, Mundo Island today, May 29, regarding an illegal floating “Paji” allegedly operating without a permit and causing sanitation issues along the coastline.

The CENRO team flagged the unauthorized floating vessel following a complaint from a foreign national regarding improper human waste management. During the inspection, the team noted several violations, including the absence of legal permits for the vessel’s construction and operation, as well as the unauthorized collection of fees from tourists as a source of income.

Consequently, the team issued a formal citation to the owner and ordered the immediate demolition of the illegal floating vessel. The incident serves as a reminder for constituents to comply with local government regulations to avoid legal repercussions.

VIA| CATHERINE SOTTO, NIÑA CADALIN, EULA DELA VICTORIA CNU INTERNS

LOOK | DENR-7 and CENRO Lapu-Lapu Unite for "Ecovibe" Program

In celebration of World Oceans and Coral Triangle Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 7, in coordination with the Lapu-Lapu City Government under the leadership of Mayor Cindi King Chan through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), held a meeting for the upcoming program, "Ecovibe: Kabataan para sa Kalikupan."

During the meeting at the CENRO Office, Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Jocelyn Abayan and CENRO staff members Christian Casio, Exel Glenn Baguio, and Harold Haosen met with DENR Conservation and Development Division representatives Queen C. Aloyan and Daryl M. Mondido to discuss the objectives for the upcoming event.

This collaborative effort aims to highlight the richness of marine biodiversity and promote appreciation, awareness, and collective action toward the conservation and protection of marine ecosystems, encouraging all stakeholders to work together in protecting and sustaining these vital natural resources.

In line with this, the one-day activity will feature a series of lectures covering Introduction to Marine Biodiversity and Introduction to Crown-of-Thorns (COTS), Box Jellyfish, and Marine Stingers: Awareness, Protection, and First Aid, with guest lecturers from the DENR. The program will also include interactive games, quizzes, and trivia focusing on coastal and marine ecosystems to engage the youth and make learning fun while raising environmental awareness.

Aloyan emphasized that the event targets the youth sector, particularly the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

The "Ecovibe: Kabataan para sa Kalikupan" program will take place on June 9, 2026, at 8:00 AM, bringing together DENR organizers, CENRO personnel, and LGU staff with a shared goal of ensuring meaningful learning for the youth as future lawmakers and environmental advocates.

VIA | Catherine Sotto and Jelene Salubre, CNU Interns

LOOK | 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐎 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐩𝐮-𝐋𝐚𝐩𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬

LOOK | The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) spearheaded a free seed distribution drive this morning, May 28, 2026, at the Barangay Mactan Sto. Niño De Cebu-Mactan Parish Ground. The initiative was held in line with the local government’s "Libreng Serbisyo Program Para Tanan," aimed at bringing essential public services closer.

A total of 151 residents of Lapu-Lapu City who attended the program availed themselves of free vegetable seeds. The distribution included 14 distinct vegetable varieties, namely ampalaya, bell pepper, cucumber, eggplant, hot pepper, kangkong, okra, patola, pechay, red colorado onion, sili espada, sitao, tomatoes, and upo.

The City Government, under the leadership of Mayor Cindi King-Chan, provided these free agricultural resources to encourage urban gardening across the city. The initiative aims to help local families build sustainable backyard gardens.

VIA | Jufy Cortes and Catherine Sotto, CNU Interns

LOOK | Financial Subsidy for Tourist Boat Operators

The Lapu-Lapu City Government, led by Mayor Cindi King-Chan and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), has distributed financial assistance to qualified tourist boat operators and crew members. The payout was scheduled for today, Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Auditorium Court 1 in Poblacion

This initiative serves as a response to the rising cost of fuel driven by global economic conditions, ensuring that local tourism workers can sustain their livelihoods despite increasing operational expenses.

A total of 390 beneficiaries received PHP 5,400 each, an amount calculated through a specialized ten-day Cash-for-Work scheme.

The recipient pool consists of 130 tourism boat operators and 260 crew members representing 19 different barangays across the city.

Participating barangays include Agus, Bangkal, Baring, Buaya, Caw-oy, Gun-ob, Mactan, Maribago, Marigondon, Pangan-an, Punta Engano, Sabang, San Vicente, Santa Rosa, Subabasbas, Talima, Tingo, and Tungasan.

To qualify for the assistance, individuals were required to be on the official masterlist and their boat must be registered.

Claimants were also required to present a valid identification card during the scheduled payout to ensure a transparent distribution process.

However, for those who were unable to claim their payouts may proceed directly to the CENRO office at City Hall for assistance and verification.

The program was specifically designed to address the urgent pleas for help from the transport sector as geopolitical factors continue to impact the local economy.

City officials noted that the integration of environmental service ensures that the subsidy benefits both the people and the natural resources that drive the city's tourism.

The Lapu-Lapu City Government reiterated its dedication to recognizing the importance of the tourism sector by sustaining public service programs for its constituents.

VIA | Eula Mae Dela Victoria, Niña Cadalin, Jelene Salubre, CNU Interns