Probe up on destruction of mangroves plantation along Dungon Creek
The subcontractor of the P50 million dredging of Dungon Creek inconsiderately uprooted four species of mangroves and 38 different species of nipa along the riverbanks of Bolilao, in Mandurriao.
In the initial report of Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Community Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-CENRO) mangroves to include pagatpat, bungalon, bakhawon and nipa were uprooted by International Builders Corporation (IBC).
The mangroves played an important role among the residents when Typhoon Frank hit Iloilo City. It defended the houses from floods and soil erosion.
Residents believe the houses located along the river banks might have been carried by flood waters to Nabitasan, Lapaz if not for the existence of the mangroves.
Generally, the mangrove plays an important role in fisheries, wildlife and forestry. It provides protection from typhoons, floods, erosion and storm surges.
Historically, mangroves had significant role in city’s barangays. Two of the city’s barangay’s are named after the specie of mangrove, Dungon and Bakhaw.
Dr. Jurgen Primavera of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) stressed the mangroves productivity in the ecosystems in the marine environment and the people.
Primavera, an awardee of the Time Magazine has conducted several studies on mangroves. She once had a joint project with the city government on the massive mangrove planting along the Iloilo River. The massive mangrove planting project was supported by the University of Miami in Florida.
In an interview over Bombo Radyo, Primavera said mortality rate of the mangrove is higher as they are needed to be planted in suitable sites which are now converted into real estate. The ratio of fishpond in Iloilo City is bigger compared to the mangrove areas.
The mangroves serve as nurseries to a large variety of fish, crab and shrimp. Coastal communities also gather mollusks along the mangrove areas. The abundance of these fisheries connotes food security in rural communities, said Primavera.
In forestry purposes, the people can get plant products such as firewood. Only the mangroves branches could be used for charcoal purposes. The mangroves are also important in the coastal protection. It prevents erosion from waves and storm, said Primavera.
IBC subcontracted the dredging project from WT Construction, a Cebu-based contractor. The mangroves were destroyed by the firm’s backhoe in its clearing operation of the river bank.
It was not immediately known whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted prior to the implementation of the dredging works meant to ease flooding in Iloilo City.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from the environment department is vital in the preservation and conservation of the mangroves and is required in project areas especially when natural habitat like mangrove areas is present.
The DENR and the multi-tripartite group conducted an inventory of the damaged mangroves in response to the complaint of the Bolilao Empowerment Neighborhood Association (BOENA). The association immediately sought the help of the environment department and other agencies after the contractor deliberately destroyed the mangroves.
The association acted ahead of the barangay officials. Bolilao Barangay Captain Nenita Joson only knew of the mangrove destruction after the joint team from the environment department went to the area for an ocular inspection and inventory of damaged mangroves.
The probe on the destruction of the mangroves along the riverbanks of Bolilao is still on going. Actions have been taken to stop further potential destruction it may cause to the mangrove areas, said Bernabe Garnace of the DENR-CENRO.
Garnace said whatever legal action they may take against the contractor will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
The conservation and preservation of mangroves is covered by Philippine laws. There are laws which prohibit the cutting of mangroves. One of the existing laws is the Revised Forestry Code or the Presidential Decree 705 which deals on the retention and exclusion from pond development of 20 meter-wide mangrove strip along shorelines facing oceans, lakes, etc., he said.
Another law which prohibits the cutting of mangroves is Republic Act 7161. The DENR has already sought the expertise of the DENR head office in matters relating to the conservation and preservation of mangroves, said Garnace.
The DENR has sent a request to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) pending the investigation. The complainant and proponent of the project would be given the opportunity to explain, he said.
BOENA president Jess Siva said they strongly contested the destruction made on the mangrove areas in Bolilao. It’s a criminal act. There are laws which protect the mangroves. It takes a lifetime to grow the mangroves along the river banks. In one second, they only destroyed it.
The mangroves are natural protection to flood. It serves as breakwater. The government is inconsistent on its flood control project as it destroys the natural environmental protection. The environment should not be sacrificed for the development, said Siva.
The community as well the association does not object on the dredging works but they are concerned with the devastation of the mangrove areas. We are governed by laws and not of men, said Siva.