Mindoro bishop: Church not against ‘legitimate’ river dredging

‘MT. BUHANGIN’ Behind local residents walking along the shorelines in Barangay Balete, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, is a tower of sand dredged from the coasts of the village, gaining the moniker “Mt. Buhangin.” Residents are worried about the dredging project, fearing environmental impact to coastal areas of the town. —PAT SIGUE/CONTRIBUTOR

The Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro on Monday asserted that it is not against river restoration or dredging, as long as these projects are part of a genuine, science-based flood management plan.

In a statement, Bishop Moises Cuevas, apostolic vicar, reiterated that they have no objection to dredging “if it is carried out as part of a genuine, science-based flood management plan.”

According to the church leader, legitimate dredging “must not be tainted with commercial exploitation” and “must strictly comply with environmental safeguards.”

Transparent monitoring

“It (dredging) must be carried out under transparent public monitoring, and it must be implemented pursuant only to a flood master plan with detailed engineering design and proper flood control methods.”

Cuevas said the Church recognizes the plight of flood-prone communities in the province, particularly farmers, fisherfolk, and poor families affected by worsening typhoons and rainfall patterns.

At the same time, the prelate cited experiences from other provinces, such as Zambales and Cagayan, where large-scale dredging linked to sand mining caused “serious and lasting harm” to ecosystems and livelihoods.

“[Our] opposition is not against river restoration per se; it is against projects that put profit before people and the environment,” Cuevas stated.

He added: “It should be clear that we support, in consideration of our flood-prone communities, the legitimate, well-planned, clear, and environmentally responsible river restoration initiatives to address flooding in the province of Oriental Mindoro.”

Cuevas warned that an absolute ban on dredging, without legitimate flood mitigation measures, could leave communities more vulnerable to disasters.

Instead, he urged the government, scientists, environmental advocates, citizens, and the Church to work together on “ecologically sound flood mitigation projects.”

“What we should avoid is simplifying this serious and complex issue into a divisive “for or against” debate. Our province of Oriental Mindoro deserves a better sociopolitical environment,” Cuevas said.