Sport · Philippines Bureau
Priest warns dredging project could devastate Oriental Mindoro coastal areas
A Catholic priest and environmental advocate in Calapan City has called for a halt to planned dredging of the Alag-Longos River System, citing potential ecological and economic harm to downstream communities. The cleric argues that flood mitigation goals must be weighed against broader environmental consequences.
LSN Philippines ·
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — A priest serving as an environmental advocate for the Calapan City Diocese has urged government authorities to suspend dredging operations planned for the Alag-Longos River System in nearby Baco town, pending a comprehensive assessment of downstream impacts.
The religious leader raised concerns that the project's ecological footprint extends far beyond Baco, potentially affecting coastal communities and marine ecosystems throughout the region. While acknowledging that flood reduction represents a legitimate municipal objective, the advocate emphasized that mitigation strategies must not proceed without first understanding their full scope of consequences.
The call for caution reflects broader environmental concerns among faith-based organizations in Mindoro, which have increasingly positioned themselves as stewards of the island's natural resources. Officials in Baco have promoted the dredging initiative as essential for managing seasonal flooding that affects agricultural and residential areas, though the project has generated debate among stakeholders with differing priorities regarding development and conservation.
No timeline has been announced for a decision on the proposed dredging works, as local government units continue to weigh competing interests regarding flood management and environmental protection.