Padsan River quarrying to bring opportunities for poor families

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—A massive river clean-up along the stretch of the Padsan River is being eyed to bring in better opportunities among Ilocanos through sand extraction.

For five years starting this year, the China-Philippines Unified Enterprises Inc. (CPU), a Philippine-based consultancy firm that assists Chinese clients find business opportunities in the country will be extracting sand along the heavily-silted Padsan River for construction use.

While introducing the new company and its planned operation to host villages in Laoag, Martin Araneta, CPU external vice president said in an interview they have already secured an open quarry permit and the extraction of sand will commence after consulting local residents in the area.

“We are here to bring in better opportunities and to serve the Ilocanos. Rest assured that whatever undertaking we may have will be in accordance to the law,” Mr. Araneta said following a video presentation at the Brgy. 30-A Suyo covered court about the importance of dredging the river to prevent flooding.

Due to massive siltation at the lower portion of the Padsan River, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc declared an open quarry near the Laoag by-pass bridge all the way to Monroe Island in Barangay La Paz, this city.

In a separate interview, Michael Ma, CPU president said, the dredging of the Padsan River is a pioneering project they will undertake in the province.

“This project aims to strengthen China and Philippines trade relations. We are here to improve your lives and create a brighter future for all,” said Mr. Ma as the company initiated a gift-giving program to selected 127 poor families in Barangays 30-A, 33-A and 33B.

As part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, Mr. Araneta said the gift-giving initiative is just an initial phase of the series of activities they wish to extend to the people of Laoag once the operation will be in full swing.

He added that those affected by the quarry operation such as those who derive their livelihood from fishing and gathering of freshwater shells will be provided assistance to compensate for their losses.

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