Local authorities in the province of Cagayan are calling for the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other government agencies to help in the restoration of Cagayan River.
Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba said the government will not spend for the dredging activity and may even earn from the sale of possible mineral content of the river.
“Sabi po ng gustong mag-dredge, ide-dredge nila nang libre. Kukunin nga lang nila. ‘Yung problema natin kung saan ilalagay ang mga dredge materials (Those who want to dredge it will do it for free. They will just take it. Our problem is we do not know where to place the dredge materials),” Mamba stated.
Authorities said the move will drive the possible reestablishment of the Aparri Seaport for maritime trade activities of countries in the north.
Citing the urgency to restore the river, DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu supported the move and agreed to the proposal of Mamba to allow private companies to do the dredging.
“Pinag-usapan namin to authorize the governor to dredge ang mga river diyan, then maghanap siya ng contractor na siyang mag-dredge according to the specification. Mayroong plano ang DPWH diyan. Pero kailangan nating tingnan ang quality ng sand na ‘yan (We looked into authorizing the governor to dredge the river and to find a contractor according to the specification. The DPWH has a plan, but we need to check the sand quality),” Cimatu stated.
However, he clarified that dredging activities must be monitored to find out if there is mineral content from the river. This will require excise tax payment from contractors.
Cimatu also emphasized the need to boost reforestation and programs against illegal logging. He urged the entire Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region to join forces on nature protection to prevent damages brought about by calamities. – Report from Oliver Baccay/PIA Region 2
