Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. signed a moratorium on the issuance of new quarrying permits earlier this week, following claims the activity poses a threat to major infrastructure projects in the province.

The moratorium covers proposed quarrying projects along the Aganan, Jalaur, Sibalom, Suage, and Ulian Rivers.
The governor also ordered regulations on the use of backhoes as, according to Defensor, may cause an uneven elevation of river streams.
Earlier this month, National Economic and Development Authority-Region VI (NEDA-6) Director Ro-Ann Bacal said erosion and the degradation of riverbeds caused by quarrying may endanger the National Irrigation Administration-Region VI (NIA-6) diversion dam in Leon, the Suage Bridge in Janiuay, and the Jalaur Bridge in Calinog./WDJ