• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP) allows the dredging of volcanic debris from waterways, but not its hauling outside of the protected area.
This was clarified yesterday by Engr. Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, assistant regional director for Technical Services of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Negros Island Region.
Residents in low-lying areas of La Castellana, Negros Occidental have expressed fears of being hit by floods as creeks and rivers near their homes have become shallow due to hardened lahar from Kanlaon Volcano.
Based on the provisions of the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, Gerangaya said quarrying of materials inside the protected area is prohibited, which is being adopted by the PAMB.
The La Castellana municipal government suspended classes at all levels in the town on Aug. 26 due to expected heavy rains brought by the low pressure area and southwest monsoon.
It also noted the overflowing of water at the Tamburong Creek in Barangay Biak na Bato, which has been filled with hardened lahar.
Gerangaya said the PAMB already gave a go-signal for the dredging of rivers and waters of hardened volcanic debris, which will be hauled into the riverbanks or to be used by the people inside the protected area.
The hauling of hardened lahar outside of the protected area needs a clearance from the DENR Secretary, Gerangaya further said.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental earlier expressed willingness to lend its heavy equipment for the dredging of clogged rivers and creeks to allow water to flow. | GB
