Posted on April 17, 2024
Authorities have stopped the private dredging operations at the river traversing the barangays of Nibaliw, Guesang, and Landas in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, after discovering that the sand dredged was being sold.
While the private groups conducting the dredging operations have permits, the local government will review the guidelines to ensure compliance.
“Pinagbawal muna kasi instead na dredging ang gawin sa barangay, [ang ginagawa nila ay] quarrying, [dahil] ibinebenta nila ang tinatanggal [na buhangin] imbes na i-pile sa magkabilang gilid ng ilog,” Rodolfo Corla, Mangaldan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Officer, said.
The local government aims to intensify riverbank clearing to prevent flooding during the rainy season.
Based on a study by the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), 21 barangays in the town are identified as flood-susceptible.
As of this writing, the local government continues to monitor barangays with ongoing drainage construction and road elevation projects as part of the town’s flood mitigation program.
