The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office No. II, led by Regional Director (RD) Mario A. Ancheta, has proclaimed its support to the dredging project along the Cagayan River’s heavily silted channel.

RD Ancheta whole-heartedly gives his encouragement to the Provincial Government of Cagayan’s project, which aims for the restoration of the Cagayan River and its tributaries.

A virtual public consultation, presided by Governor Manuel N. Mamba of the Provincial Government of Cagayan, discussed the implementation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR’s) Administrative Order No. 2020- 07 on Rationalizing Dredging Activities in Heavily- Silted River Channels pursuant to the DENR-DPWH-DILG-DOTR Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 Series of 2019.

During the said virtual public consultation, RD Ancheta exclaimed that MGB will work closely with the province, stating “We will monitor the dredging plan and we will see if the activities are aligned to the laws and policies. Actually, we have our initial assessment such as bathymetric survey along Cagayan River,”. He added that they have conducted an analysis in some parts of Alcala, Camalanuigan, and Lallo, along with a plan to impose corresponding taxes if there are minerals dredged.

Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs, DENR, said the virtual public consultation is proof of the province’s interest in this project. In addition, Governor Mamba states the dredging is part of the development agenda under his administration.

The virtual event was attended by regional and provincial offices, along with academe, media, civic organizations, environmentalists, and other stakeholders.

The full article from MGB-RO II can be read here.

By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division