Large-Scale Sand-Dredging Project Moves Forward with Permits
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – Governor Humerlito A. Dolor confirmed that the proposed large-scale sand-dredging project in Gloria town has obtained all necessary permits from relevant government agencies. Environmental assessments and tests were thoroughly conducted before the project’s green light. The large-scale sand-dredging plan involves extracting marine sand from the mouth of the Balete River. This sand will be used in building the New Manila International Airport in Bulakan, Bulacan.
On July 18, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office in Manila issued a dredging clearance to Southern Concrete Industries Inc. This clearance allows the company to dredge 1.8 million cubic meters of sand from the river’s navigational area. Records from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) show that an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) was granted. This ECC was reviewed by multiple DENR undersecretaries and approved with the knowledge of the DENR Secretary.
Community Concerns and Government Clarifications
Southern Concrete Industries, operated by China Harbour Engineering Co. based in Malate, Manila, is leading the project. Governor Dolor spearheaded the fifth public consultation on June 11 in Sitio Aplaya, Barangay Balete, Gloria town. The meeting gathered local stakeholders, particularly marginalized fisherfolk, who voiced concerns about environmental impacts. These include threats to their livelihoods, coastal erosion, and damage to marine habitats.
Dolor acknowledged that some residents and environmental groups worry the project might be disguised sea sand mining rather than river dredging. “If the DENR or other agencies classify it as mining, I will not allow the project,” he said. The province has banned mining since 2002, with large-scale mining prohibited until 2052 and small-scale mining banned until 2047.
Distinguishing Dredging from Mining Activities
Representatives from the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau and Environmental Management Bureau clarified during the consultation that dredging is not classified as mining. It does not fall under definitions outlined in Republic Act No. 7942, the Mining Law. Instead, dredging follows a separate joint memorandum circular issued by the DENR, DPWH, and other agencies.
Governor Dolor explained that preparations for this large-scale sand-dredging project began in 2019 during DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu’s term. Secretary Cimatu issued a department order establishing environmental policies and guidelines for river dredging projects. This initiative aims to provide a lasting solution to the province’s persistent flooding problems.
Before Dolor was elected governor in 2019, collaborative meetings between the DENR, other national agencies, and affected local governments took place. Despite investing P24 billion in flood mitigation, flooding remains unresolved. “That’s why we want to resort to dredging since no expenses will be incurred on the part of the provincial government,” Dolor said. He added that the town and Barangay Balete will also benefit through quarry tax revenues.
Economic Benefits for Host Communities
Lawyer Earl Turano, provincial legal officer and acting provincial administrator, estimated that Barangay Balete will receive P11,253,600 once dredging begins in the navigational area. The river dredging zone will also generate an estimated P4,680,000 for the community.
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