By Ruben A. Veloria
ZAMBALES, Philippines — A senior official here denied reports that a Chinese company is involved in dredging operations in this province and caused severe damage to private properties and the environment.
Provincial Consultant on Engineering and Infrastructure Development Engineer Domingo Mariano assured the public that no Chinese company is involved in River Restoration Program, or dredging operations, in the major rivers of Zambales.
“We have not given permit to any Chinese company. We only have legitimate Filipino workers operating the dredging machines,” Mariano said.
The official also clarified that companies involved in dredging operations acquired their vessels from China and converted into Philippine flag. The vessels, including the crews, passed through the scrutiny and approval of Maritime Industry Authority or MARINA.
The statement came after a member of the House of Representatives recommended an investigation to an alleged Chinese firm over its reported dredging operations in Zambales which triggered widespread environmental damage, and loss of livelihood of the residents.
According to the report, the solon alleged that dredging operations destroyed maritime habitats, drastically reduced their fishing income, and subjected the coastal communities to severe danger.
Engr. Mariano explained that the dredging operation brought significant benefits for Zambales residents. “There is no more houses damaged. There is no one needs to be rescued. And more importantly, the province got revenue income,” he said.
By virtue of the provincial resolution, all extracted minerals, such as sand, in any part of the province are subject to taxes.
According to the provincial resolution, all minerals extracted, such as sand, from any part of the province are subject to tax. As a result, the revenue is allocated with 50% going to the province of Zambales, 30% to the LGU, and 20% to the Barangays covering the area.
Fifty percent (50%) of the share allocated to the province is utilized as student assistance for scholars across the entire province of Zambales. This includes support for those who wish to take Board Examinations, pursue Master’s or Doctorate degrees, as well as those who have earned Latin Honors. The remaining portion is used for the construction of infrastructure projects and free medical services in four (4) hospitals.
Additionally, assistance is provided to fishermen, who have a total membership of 27,000. This includes the provision of fishing payaos (fish aggregating devices) and fishing gear, as well as the purchase by the Provincial Capitol of an ₱87-million fishing harvester vessel for their use. This enables them to compete effectively with larger-scale fishermen.
According to the official, the extracted sand were transported to Pasay Reclamation Project, and to airport project in Bulacan. There are other smaller projects that are being supplied with sands.
Regarding the alleged mounting complaints from local communities over the dredging operations, Engr. Mariano countered that if the report should be true, there must be only one or two who have personal interest.
“They built permanent structures over accretion areas, which was considered danger zone by the DENR, but illegal settlers and businesses popped in the area like mushrooms,” the official said.
Engr. Mariano also clarified reports about the fishermen who lost their income due to dredging operation in their area.
“The so called environmentalist who claimed that fishermen lost their income due to dredging, that was purely lies. Because the fisherman are very happy now because they can ow catch fish by the tubs,” Mariano said.
Engr. Mariano appealed for the cooperation of all residents in affected areas of erosion in San Narciso and San Rafael.
“We have to help each other and to co-exist. It can’t be that those only at the shore line should live. Because there are others in the plains, and those in the mountains,” he said.
He also noted that DENR is always ready to help them to comply with the requirements. And There is nothing that can’t be resolve through dialogue,” Mariano added.
