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By SHERWIN DE VERA
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY—Progressive lawmakers are urging the House to investigate dredging at the mouth of the Abra River in Ilocos Sur, which residents and environmental advocates blame for increased erosion and reduced catch, affecting villages in Santa and Caoayan municipalities.

Filed by the Makabayan Bloc on December 9, the resolution concerns Isla Verde Mining and Development Corporation’s (IVMDC) operation, which the provincial government approved, supposedly to reduce flooding along the Abra River. It also received clearance from DENR Region 1 and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“The current operations appear to be a continuation of the extractive practices disguised as flood control measures but actually serving commercial interests at the expense of coastal communities and marine ecosystem,” the resolution stated.

They cited prior allegations against IVMDC of environmental offenses from 2012.  More recently, the DENR also suspended the company’s transport of quarry materials from the seabed.

An investigation by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Region 1, found that the company shipped dredge materials without an Ore Transport Permit. They also noted that the company operated outside the River Dredging Zone in September and October.

“There is an urgent need to investigate whether IVMDC and involved government officials circumvented legal processes, hold them accountable for environmental damage, [and] ensure compensation for affected residents,” the resolution stated.

The resolution also emphasized the need for a comprehensive scientific investigation into the damage and the rehabilitation of the affected area. 

Fisher group Pamalakaya Pilipinas, which supported the affected residents of Ilocos Sur, said that IVMDC’s seabed quarry operations have destroyed the communities’ fishing grounds. The group cited Defend Ilocos Sur’s study, which reported an 80-90% loss of income for fishers from the towns of Santa and Caoayan since the dredging began in 2024. 

“Malungkot isipin na ang pinsalang dinulot ng dredging sa yamang-dagat ng Ilocos Sur ay hindi na maibabalik. Bagama’t pansamantalang naipahinto ang naturang aktibidad dahil sa protesta ng mga residente, ramdam pa rin ng mga mangingisda ang pagbagsak ng kanilang kabuhayan dahil sa nasirang pangisdaan,” said Pamalakaya Secretary General Salvador France. 

(It is sad that the damage dredging caused to the marine resources of Ilocos Sur can never be restored. Although the activity was temporarily stopped due to residents’ protests, fishers still feel the decline in their livelihoods because of the ruined fishing grounds.)

“Kaya ang panawagan namin ay hustisya sa porma ng makatwirang kompensasyon at rehabilitasyon ng mga nasirang pook-pangisdaan. Gayundin ang pananagutan sa mga opisyal ng pamahalaan at ahensya na nagpahintulot sa mapanirang aktibidad,” he added.

(This is why we call for justice in the form of fair compensation and rehabilitation of the damaged fishing areas, as well as accountability for the government officials and agencies that allowed this destructive activity.)

Earlier, Defend Ilocos Sur urged Malacañang to intervene. The Nueva Segovia Archdiocesan Council of the Laity also wrote a separate appeal to the president, which was endorsed by Archbishop Marlo Peralta, asking for the halt of the operation.#nordis.net