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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