By CESAR JOLITO III
The La Castellana municipal government is set to partner with a private firm for a large-scale river dredging project aimed at reducing flood risks following the devastation caused by Typhoon “Tino” in November last year.
Vice Mayor Rhumyla Nicor Mangilimutan confirmed that the local government is finalizing a collaboration with Jerry Sy, chief executive officer of Silver Dragon Inc., to undertake full-scale dredging operations on the town’s major river system at no cost to the municipality.
Mangilimutan said the river has become heavily clogged with silt, sand and debris over time, a condition worsened by Typhoon “Tino,” which altered the river’s course and deposited large volumes of earth materials along the riverbed.
Without intervention, she warned, the town faces heightened risks of severe flooding in the rainy season.
To proceed, the local government is securing a special permit from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), which will regulate sediment extraction and ensure proper environmental safeguards.
An initial site assessment by PENRO is expected within the week to finalize permit requirements.
The partnership was pursued due to the municipality’s limited access to heavy equipment such as dredgers, excavators and hauling trucks needed for the project.
Silver Dragon Inc., which has handled waterway rehabilitation projects across the Visayas, will provide machinery, technical personnel, and operational support.
The dredging initiative comes in response to the widespread damage caused by Typhoon “Tino,” when overflowing rivers inundated large portions of the town.
More than 3,000 families were displaced, with floodwaters reaching up to three meters deep.
The disaster also destroyed an estimated P25 million worth of crops and livestock and damaged critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges.
Pending permit approval, dredging operations are scheduled to begin in early April and are expected to be completed within six months, ahead of the next typhoon season.
Once finished, the project is projected to improve the river’s water flow capacity by around 40 percent, restoring its natural course and depth while significantly reducing flood risks in nearby communities.
As part of its long-term disaster risk reduction strategy, the municipal government will also enforce restrictions on rebuilding within designated river easement zones.
Families previously residing in these high-risk areas will be relocated.
The locality is currently coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region to identify relocation sites and provide assistance.
Plans include the development of resettlement areas equipped with basic services such as potable water, electricity and access to healthcare./CJ, WDJ