WE, the undersigned, are writing to express our deep concern and opposition to the ongoing seabed mining and seabed dredging activities in Botolan,  San Felipe and San Narciso, Zambales under the DENR Department Order 13 series of 2019.  This letter serves as a petition, representing the collective voices of concerned citizens who are alarmed by the potential destructive effects these activities pose to the shorelines and the surrounding environment.

 

The DAO 2019-13 which rationalizes the desilting of Rivers Bucao, Maloma and Sto. Tomas has become NOT a river restoration project but a Seabed mining and seabed dredging activities to supply materials to the Manila Bay Reclamation, Bulacan Airport Reclamation and some reclamation of the West Philippine Sea disputed islands by the Chinese government.  

 

Seabed mining and seabed dredging  have severe consequences on the delicate balance of ecosystems, marine life, and the overall health of the coastal areas affecting not just Zambales but all water systems in  Luzon. We, the undersigned, firmly believe that the seabed mining and seabed dredging  activities in Zambales pose a threat to the following:

 

Erosion and Shoreline Stability: Seabed mining and Dredging have disturbed the natural sediment balance along the Zambales shoreline, leading to increased erosion and instability. This can result in the loss of valuable coastal habitats and negatively impact the communities that depend on these ecosystems. Some 300 houses and resorts have already been swept out to the sea because of these activities. 

 

Marine Biodiversity: The disruption caused by dredging  harms marine life, including fish, coral reefs, and other essential organisms. These disturbances  have long-lasting effects on the ecological balance and lead to a decline in biodiversity in the affected area. 

 

Water Quality: Dredging operations can release sediments and contaminants into the water, compromising water quality and posing a threat to aquatic life. This may have implications for both the environment and the health of local communities that rely on these waters

 

Community Livelihoods: Many residents in coastal communities in Zambales  depend on the health of the shoreline for their livelihoods, including fishing and tourism. Destructive seabed mining and seabed dredging activities  jeopardize these economic activities, leading to adverse socio-economic impacts on the community. Some 10,000 Zambales fishermen have already lost their livelihood in fishing. Some 3000 resorts are losing tourism receipts. While our fishermen and resort businesses have lost homes, livelihoods, jobs and income, illegal Chinese workers are  employed by the seabed mining vessels (suction cutters, jet sand mining dredger, self-unloading belt ships, and bulk carriers). 

 

 

Health Security:  Dredging activities along shorelines  lead to detrimental environmental impacts, including air, noise, and water pollution. The release of particulate matter during dredging contributes to air pollution, posing risks to respiratory health. The incessant noise generated by dredging machinery disrupts marine life and affects nearby communities. Additionally, sediment disturbance and the release of contaminants into water bodies result in water pollution, harming aquatic ecosystems.

 

In light of these concerns, we kindly request the following actions:          

 

Immediate Suspension of Seabed Mining and Seabed Dredging Activities: We urge the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane to halt all seabed mining and seabed dredging activities in Zambales  until a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) is conducted to thoroughly evaluate the potential risks and benefits associated with these operations.

 

Repeal the DAO 2019-13 issued by then DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu which is used as a legal basis for the Zambales seabed mining and seabed dredging activities. 

 

 

Transparency and Public Consultation: We demand that the DENR and Governor Hermogenes Ebdane to communicate with the affected community members. Conduct public consultations to ensure that their voices are heard, and their concerns are taken into account in the decision-making process.

 

Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): A thorough and independent EIA must be carried out to assess the  environmental and socio-economic impacts of the seabed mining and seabed dredging activities. The findings of this assessment should be made public to ensure accountability and informed decision-making.

 

 

We believe that these measures are crucial in ensuring the long-term sustainability and well-being of the coastal areas in Zambales. We appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that you will act in the best interest of the environment, the community, and future generations.

 

Thank you for your prompt consideration of this petition.