By CESAR JOLITO III

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Negros Island Region (DENR-NIR) has clarified that while the clearing of volcanic materials deposited in rivers and creeks within the Mount Kanlaon Natural Park is permitted, hauling these materials outside the protected area is strictly prohibited.

Engineer Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, DENR-NIR Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, explained that the agency does not forbid dredging or clearing of hardened lahar from Tamburong Creek in La Castellana town’s Barangay Biak na Bato.

Gerangaya said dredging is allowed primarily to prevent flooding, as the creek bed has been heavily silted by volcanic debris following Kanlaon Volcano’s recent eruptions.

“What is not allowed is quarrying or hauling of sand and rocks from the protected area. Materials removed from the waterways may only be stockpiled along the riverbanks or used by residents inside the protected area,” Gerangaya stressed.

The clarification came after the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Mount Kanlaon Natural Park agreed to allow dredging operations for flood mitigation, provided that the extracted materials remain within the site.

Earlier, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson issued a gratuitous permit to allow the deepening of the creek.

However, the plan was deferred pending clearance from Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla.

Gerangaya emphasized that the DENR’s role is limited to providing technical advice in accordance with the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, with final decisions adopted by the PAMB./CJ, WDJ