Calapan priest urges pause on Baco river dredging, citing harm to coastal communities

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — A priest and environmental advocate of the Calapan City Diocese urged authorities to pause plans to dredge the Alag–Longos River System in Baco town and address first the project’s far-reaching impacts on coastal communities and entire ecosystems. “Reducing flooding is a legitimate goal — but it should not come at the expense of other communities,” said the priest. The project, which is set to be implemented at the confluence of the Alag and Longos Rivers in Baco, is intended to mitigate flood damage. However, the priest pointed out that dredging the riverbed and banks could lead to increased salinization in adjacent coastal areas and disrupt the ecological balance. He also expressed concern over the potential impact on fishing communities and mangrove forests that harbor unique ecosystems. In recent years, the Philippines has experienced frequent flood damage due to extreme weather events, making infrastructure development a pressing need. However, environmental groups and local residents have consistently voiced concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale projects, highlighting the delicate balance between development and environmental conservation. The priest's statement in Calapan underscores the complex dimensions of development and environmental issues in the Philippines.