Bishop Opposes Massive Sand Dredging in Oriental Mindoro
CITY OF CALAPAN, ORIENTAL MINDORO — Bishop Moises Cuevas of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan issued a pastoral letter strongly opposing the massive sand dredging in Oriental Mindoro. The letter, read during Sunday Masses across the province, warned of the severe and irreversible damage this activity could cause to the environment and the livelihoods of local communities.
Amid ongoing debates about the provincial government’s dredging project, which it promotes as a flood mitigation effort, environmentalists argue it is actually a cover for commercial sand mining. The bishop’s letter, dated August 15 and titled “For Truth, Unity, and Concern for Our Home,” emphasized that he does not oppose river dredging when it is part of a scientifically based, genuine flood control plan. Such a plan must avoid commercial exploitation, follow strict environmental safeguards, and allow transparent public monitoring under a comprehensive Flood Master Plan.
Strong Opposition to Commercial Mining Activities
However, the bishop made it clear that large-scale commercial dredging, sea bed or black sand mining, and quarrying in rivers or coastal areas are unacceptable. “When the priority of these activities is profit instead of the people and environment, the peril and possible result will definitely bring heavy and irreparable damage to the province,” the pastoral letter stated in Filipino.
Community Divisions and Calls for Dialogue
The Apostolic Vicariate fully supports the provincial board’s July decision to halt dredging work along the province’s coasts and rivers, especially in Gloria town, a move backed by Governor Humerlito Dolor. Local leaders and community members, including environmentalists, Mangyans, farmers, fishers, and scientists, have shown vigilance and concern over the issue, the bishop noted.
He acknowledged the deep divisions among provincial officials and residents triggered by the dredging debate. “It is unfortunate that public discourse is often filled with misinformation, incomplete facts and personal attacks. We need to change this, we need a better conversation,” he urged. The bishop called for dialogue, particularly among those sharing similar values, to advocate for projects that are environmentally sustainable, socially just, and financially viable. He stressed the importance of defending vulnerable communities and ensuring flood control initiatives do not harm those they aim to protect.
Provincial Board Welcomes Church’s Stand
Vice Governor Antonio Perez, presiding officer of the provincial board, welcomed the pastoral letter’s release, saying it added significant weight to the ongoing discussions on dredging activities. “Simbahan na ang umaayaw. Mabigat ‘yan,” he remarked, highlighting the Church’s influential role in the debate.
Earlier, on July 1, the provincial board rescinded a previous resolution that had allowed river restoration through massive dredging. The board condemned black sand dredging, whether disguised as river restoration or otherwise permitted, for causing “grave and irreparable injury” to marine ecosystems, agriculture, coastal stability, and tourism.
This stance has created tensions with Governor Dolor, who supported the initial dredging project approved in 2023. The board has ordered companies involved—including Southern Concrete Industries Inc., China Harbor Engineering Co., San Miguel Aero City, and San Miguel Holdings Corp.—to immediately stop all extraction, transport, sale, or disposal of black sand and related materials from the province’s waters and coastlines.
The ban will remain until a thorough investigation into the environmental and legal impacts is completed. Complaints from residents of Gloria, known for its beaches, mangrove forests, and farmland, have reported sand extraction from the Balete River and nearby shores since May of this year, local leaders noted.
For more news and updates on massive sand dredging, visit Filipinokami.com.
