Posted on June 19, 2024
Concerns have surfaced over a dredging project along the riverbanks affecting four towns in Ilocos Sur, prompting the provincial government to assure residents it will stop the project if it detects adverse impacts to the community.
A consultation held in Barangay Rancho, Santa, Ilocos Sur revealed opposition to the presence of a dredging vessel in the area, alleging lack of prior consultation with barangay councils and residents.
“Hindi pa rin namin maintindihan dahil nandyan na sila gayong walang naganap na konsultasyon sa amin. Naalarma na lang kami sa mga nakikita namin,” Rey Formoso, Barangay Chairman of Rancho, said.
Contrary to these claims, Governor Jeremias Singson said consultations had been conducted to hear and clarify residents’ concerns.
“Nagkaroon na ng consultation, yan ang agree na yung Rancho, everybody agreed na. Kaya nga nakakuha ng permit ang munisipyo,” Singson said.
Line agencies said the dredging aimed to address widespread flooding experienced in Santa, Caoayan, Vigan City, and Bantay.
They also denied any involvement in black sand mining.
“Rest assured walang mangyayaring masama sa inyo, kasi part of our contract, kapag may nangyaring napansin natin na hindi maganda ang ginagawa [sa] isla verde, in dredging our river, ititigil kaagad ‘yan,” Singson said.
The barangay council said it will monitor the project closely for any adverse effects on the locality.
