Prov’l dad urges strict monitoring of quarrying in Ilocos Norte

BURGOS’ TREES GIVE WAY TO WINDMILL PROJECT. Residents here are wary about soil erosion and siltation of rivers and water canals in view of the impact of the massive earth movement and cutting of trees permitted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the on-going construction of the Burgos windmill project which is expected to commence during the last quarter of this year. (Lei Adriano)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

Owing to the on-going controversies surrounding the issuance of quarry permits allegedly monopolized by several contractors, a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has urged concerned authorities to strictly monitor the gathering of sand and gravel in river beds covering 21 towns and two cities of Ilocos Norte.   

Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Da Vinci M. Crisostomo delivered a privilege speech on April 7 exposing an alleged “abuse of authority” committed in granting quarry permits to favored operators who are allegedly being used as dummies of some local officials and government contractors in view of several multi-million public and private construction projects which are currently on-going in the province.

Some of these include the ongoing construction of the Burgos wind project by the Energy Development Corporation and the 81-MW North Luzon Renewable Energy Corporation wind development project in Caparispisan, Pagudpud town with on-going transmission line construction along the national highway connecting to the main grid to Laoag City.

Crisostomo said that in view of these on-going projects, “there are certain unscrupulous individuals—both from the private and public sector who are monopolizing the issuance of quarry permits, causing factions among contractors.”

“Quarrying is great source of income among local government units because many investors in the province are in need of gravel and sand. These must be monitored and properly managed,” Crisostomo added.

Earlier, no less than Bangui Mayor Diosdado Garvida created a commotion in his town when he was accused of indiscriminate firing while trying to stop a quarry operation in a private lot at Brgy. Taguipuro.

In a related development, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos plans to reorganize the quarry task force of Ilocos Norte to check on the alleged activities.

“This is not to sow intrigue but I believe it’s about time the provincial government must look into this and avoid future problems,” Crisostomo stressed.