Iloilo dam, bridges at risk from excessive quarrying

ILOILO CITY — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is alarmed by the risks faced by public infrastructure in Iloilo province from excessive quarrying.

NEDA Regional Director for Western Visayas Ro-Ann Bacal told Manila Bulletin a NEDA monitoring team for the Regional Development Council (RDC) found that quarrying activity could damage a small dam and two bridges.

Quarrying could lower the riverbed in Leon town and endanger the diversion dam of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

It could also lead to erosion and the degradation of the riverbed that could weaken the foundations of the Suage Bridge in Janiuay town and the Jalaur Bridge in Calinog town.

Bacal met with Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. and key regional officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and NIA to address the risks from quarrying.

“What is important here is that we’re coming together to protect these infrastructures,” Bacal said Thursday.

Defensor is considering issuing a new quarrying moratorium while ordering environmental chief Arturo Cangrejo to strengthen the monitoring of illegal quarrying.

“Policies will be reviewed and amended while quarrying regulations will be strictly enforced,” added Provincial Administrator Raul Banias.