Iloilo to remove mangroves along Dungon creek

THE Iloilo City Government and eight barangays will lead in the removal, and transfer of mangroves along the Dungon Creek to pave the way for comprehensive dredging of the creek leading to the Iloilo River.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the City Government has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the project dated December 2012 until December 2013.

The project, which was funded with P2.29 million by the DENR, was turned over to City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog last December 28, 2012.

Mabilog said he has instructed the city environment and natural resources office (Cenro) to fast track the bidding process before the campaign period so as to start removing the mangroves.

The project involves the removal of 1,666 mangrove trees and 630 nipa clumps to be spearheaded by the Cenro. The mangroves are said to impede the flow of the Dungon creek.

The city barangays involved in removing the mangroves are Taft North, Bolilao and Bakhaw in Mandurriao district; Desamparados, San Vicente, Calubihan and Our Lady of Lourdes in Jaro district; and Magsaysay in La Paz district.

The DENR has also gave P2.07 million, through Mayor Vicente Flores Jr., to the municipality of Oton, Iloilo last December 28, 2012 to fund the removal and transfer of mangroves along the Batiano River.

The project will cover from December 2012 to December 2013 to be implemented by the municipality of Oton and six riverbank barangays to remove and transfer 1,099 mangrove trees and 4,302 nipa clumps.

The Oton barangays concerned are Alegre, San Antonio, San Nicolas, Poblacion West, Poblacion North and Tagbac Sur.