Netizens rise up vs Currimao reclamation project

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

Currimao, Ilocos Norte—The local government unit here found some ally in opposing the proposed reclamation project as the issue has been posted in Facebook to promote greater awareness about the issue.

The “Save Currimao Cove From Reclamation” page created by an environmental conservation organization in Manila on March 14, 2019 has generated an almost 1,500 likes as of March 22, 2019 and the number of shares keeps on increasing daily.

To date, a global sand exporter which has been exporting construction sand from Ilocos Norte to Japan and Singapore since 2009 is pushing for the development of a 112-hectare private seaport reclamation project at Brgy. Maglaoi, here.

As part of its long-term master plan for seaport expansion and development, Omnico Natural Resources Inc. wants to reclaim over a hundred hectares of the sea using imported furnace slag aggregates from Taiwan.

The Phase 1 of the project has already started, which is located within the boundary of Badoc and Currimao towns.

“As a key biodiversity area, Currimao is threatened by a huge reclamation project. I can’t forgive myself if we allow this to happen,” said Currimao Mayor Gladys Go-Cue following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Currimao government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on the protection of marine life and natural resources.

Living near the ocean since the 1970’s, Mrs. Cue recalled her dad releasing sea turtles.

Over the years, the Currimao beach remains as one of the unspoiled beaches in the province until officials and residents raised the alarm on the furnace slag aggregates which will be used in the reclamation project may have toxic contents that could probably harm marine resources in the area.

This imported material is a residue or a by-product of iron and steel-making from a blast furnace in water or steam to produce a glassy, granular product that is then dried and ground into a fine powder.

But for some residents like Janine Pascua, she said Currimao is a beautiful place but it is a laid-back town in the province.

“We all know that Currimao is a third-class municipality. Why can’t we make our town more competitive by opening our minds to welcome improvement?” Ms. Pascua said saying the proposed seaport expansion could offer more opportunities for local employment and economic growth.

“It may damage some coral reefs and endanger some sea creatures but if we want to improve, we have to sacrifice or surrender something,” she explained.

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