- 10 barangays call for immediate probe, suspension of activities on watershed
A JOINT resolution from several barangays called for an immediate investigation of desilting operations in the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed due to alleged violations and non-compliance with environmental regulations.
The joint resolution of 10 barangays said that it was “respectfully requesting the Honorable City Mayor of Davao City and the technical working group of the Davao City Desilting Ordinance to conduct an immediate investigation and temporarily suspend the desilting operations in the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed.”
The Panigan-Tamugan is a vital source of drinking water in the
The resolution, obtained by TIMES, was signed by Jennifer Porgarilas, Barangay chairman of Gumalang; Margie Binobo of Wines; Ronilo Celez, acting chairman of Tamugan; Arnel Liong of Malagos; Joselito Cajes of Baguio proper; Loreto Amoy of Suawan; Ricardo Gierran of Tawan-tawan; Socrates Estomata of Carmen; Leonard Cabang, acting chairman of Cadalian, and Jesabel Suboy, barangay kagawad of Tambobong.
Alleged violations
The resolution highlighted concerns that current desilting activities, if not properly monitored and coordinated, could exacerbate negative impacts on the affected barangays.
They claimed that the desilting permittees failed to coordinate with the affected barangays.
The failure to communicate led to numerous complaints from the residents.
For instance, the operations allegedly exceeded the allowable desilting extraction of only one meter of the riverbed, as stipulated in the Ordinance No. 0742-25. Also, a mechanical separator was being operated on-site without the necessary permits from the local government and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau XI.
It also pointed out that operations are being conducted beyond the prescribed delivery hauling time, which should be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to allow monitoring by government checkers.
“The alleged violations, if proven, constitute apparent non-compliance with the City Ordinance No. 0333-15, Series of 2015, undermining its intent to balance environmental protection with flood mitigation measures,” the resolution stressed.
However, the resolution emphasized that the barangays do not oppose desilting, crucial for flood control and water regulation, but it must be properly implemented.
The barangay officials called for the temporary suspension of desilting operations pending the outcome of the investigation.
The resolution was forwarded to the Watershed Management Council, CMO, and the City Engineer’s Office for appropriate action.
Complaints
In a letter dated Aug. 5 to Celez of Tamugan, parents of Tamugan ES and NHS students requested for assistance to request the owner of huge trucks to avoid using the road during specific hours as it posed safety risks to students going to school.
“Ang rason niini tungod sa kagamay sa maong kalsada maong apiki kaayo ug hadlok para sa mga bata. Mohangyo mi nimo Sir nga imo ming tabangan sa among mulo para sa among mga anak,” the letter stated.
It specifically requested to restrict truck passage during school hours 6-8 a.m., 12 noon-1 p.m., and 4-5 p.m. on weekdays.
This was also reiterated by John Paul N. Paculdo, Tamugan NHS School head, and Samuel Cabales, Tamugan ES Principal I.
“It has been observed that large trucks often intersect at the narrow road fronting the school, and when two or more of them meet, they resort to backing into the school entrance to make way. This practice poses a serious hazard,” Paculdo said.
Cabales also said that Tamugan Elementary School has 315 learners from kinder to grade six and the school is situated along the substandard road which is very risky when overloaded big trucks loaded with boulders and sand pass by.
Photo: Bantay Bukid
