Governor Announces Dredging Project
The Provincial Government of Bulacan, led by Governor Daniel R. Fernando, has commenced an ambitious dredging project targeting the province’s heavily-silted rivers. Announced during a briefing held at the EDSA Shangri-La Manila Isla Ballroom on April 29, this initiative is part of a broader flood control and river restoration effort. It is a response to the national call from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), specifically under Administrative Order 2020-07, to reclaim the natural state and flow of obstructed river channels.
Strategic Dredging for Long-Term Solutions
Governor Fernando presented a comprehensive plan to key local officials, including congressmen, mayors, and vice mayors, detailing a long-term solution to the decade-old problem of river silting in Bulacan. The strategy includes substantial dredging of critical rivers such as Angat, Pamarawan, Malolos, Hagonoy, and Guiguinto. The goal is to establish a navigational channel in the offshore delta, essential for solving the persistent flooding issues in the province.
Innovative Approaches and Partnerships
Highlighting the collaboration with Torejas Construction Supply Corporation (TCSC), Governor Fernando emphasized the innovative dredging techniques that will be employed. TCSC’s advanced power dredging machines can clear between 1,500 to 2,000 cubic meters of silt per hour, significantly outperforming traditional dredgers. This partnership, a cornerstone of the project, aims to demonstrate immediate effects in managing flood risks, especially with the upcoming rainy season.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
This dredging effort will not incur any costs to the Provincial Government. Instead, it will enhance the province’s income through a revenue-sharing arrangement from the commercial sale of the dredged materials. These materials will support significant reclamation projects, executed with environmental considerations at the forefront. The project not only aims at flood mitigation but also at boosting local revenues through strategic resource management.
Sustainable Practices and Future Prospects
TCSC Corp. has committed to a systematic, scientific, and environmentally friendly approach to dredge the silt-laden rivers. This method is designed to restore the natural flow gradually, thereby improving the rivers’ ability to handle future floodwaters. Moreover, the project includes ecological restoration efforts such as the rejuvenation of wetlands where mangroves will be planted, enhancing biodiversity and strengthening coastal defenses.
Renewable Energy and Community Involvement
The initiative also explores the potential for developing agricultural wetlands into sites for renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms. These could potentially supply up to 50% of Bulacan’s energy needs, showcasing a commitment to sustainable and carbon-free energy solutions. Governor Fernando concluded by urging the community of Bulacan to engage actively in these efforts, emphasizing the importance of collective action in tackling the longstanding flooding issues. He leads the Inter-Agency Committee overseeing this project, with key regional directors and departments playing vital roles.
By addressing both immediate and long-term concerns, the Bulacan river dredging project sets a precedent for integrated flood management and environmental restoration practices in the Philippines.