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By: Sangguniang Panlalawigan | Photos By: Sangguniang Panlalawigan | Date: February 2022
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Environment, Energy and Human Ecology and Security, chaired by SP Member Abraham P. Rimando, jointly with the Committee on Public Works and Utilities and Committee on Laws, Rules and Privileges of the Province of La Union conducted a public consultation through video conferencing to address the raised concern relative to the continuation of construction of the dike situated in Taboc River covering Barangays Ili Norte and Talogtog by Department of Public Works and Highways-La Union 1st Engineering District.
This was attended by the residents of San Juan represented by Ms. Cristina Antonio; members of the Koalisyon Isalbar Ti Pintas Ti La Union, a Non-Government Organization; and representatives from DPWH, Department of Environment and Natural Resources β Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Government of La Union Office of the Provincial Administrator and Provincial Government - Environment and Natural Resources Office, Joy Ortega and concerned citizens, and the SP Members.
During the public consultation, the DPWH presented the complete project proposal for the Construction of San Juan Waterways which started in 2018. Koalisyon Isalbar Ti Pintas Ti La Union has requested for a technical study of the subject DPWH project for public awareness and for other experts to review the project including its study research on modeling. The group has also stressed the issues and concerns of San Juan residents arising in the construction of said project particularly its effect in San Juanβs mangrove area and its impact on hydrology of channelizing the Taboc River.
It was learned that the project was only coordinated with the Municipality of San Juan and that the SP Committee on Public Works and Utilities has not made any endorsement for this project. In addition, only a Certificate of Non-Coverage was released by the DENR-EMB.
The consultation ended with a recommendation from the joint committees that all DPWH projects including the 2022 project in Taboc River must be submitted to the Committee of Public Works and Utilities for its study. Moreover, it was proposed that no projects will be implemented without the endorsement from the SP in accordance with Sections 26 and 27 of the Local Government Code of 1991.
The joint committees are set to conduct an ocular inspection and a thorough investigation of the issue.
