APARRI, Cagayan-Fishermen have lamented the dwindling catch of Aramang, a local spider shrimp popular in Cagayan as they echoed the sentiments expressed during the protest of 2022.
“The once-abundant marine resources have yet to recover, leaving many families grappling with diminished incomes and uncertain futures. Moreover, concerns raised about the erosion threat posed by the dredging project have not abated. Residents fear the long-term consequences of ecological disruption, especially in an area prone to flooding and vulnerable to the ravages of climate change, the Aparri environment advocates’ group said in a statement.
They noted that two years after the protests of about 2,000 fisherfolk in Aparri against alleged black sand mining in the guise of dredging operations, the repercussions are still “keenly felt” in this town in Cagayan.
Despite the fervent calls for environmental preservation and the protection of livelihoods, the scars of mining persist, casting a shadow over the region’s ecological balance and economic stability, the environment protection group added.
Reports from the online page circulating in Aparri with almost 200,000 views continue to highlight the “enduring impact of the mining activities on their daily lives.”
Fishermen lament the dwindling catch, echoing the sentiments expressed during the protest of 2022.
“The once-abundant marine resources have yet to recover, leaving many families grappling with diminished incomes and uncertain futures. Moreover, concerns raised about the erosion threat posed by the dredging project have not abated.
Residents fear the long-term consequences of ecological disruption, especially in an area prone to flooding and vulnerable to the ravages of climate change,” they added.
“While the authorities may tout the dredging project as a necessary endeavor for river restoration and flood control, the voices of the affected communities cannot be silenced. The disparity between official assurances and the lived experiences of the people underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and genuine consultation in decision-making processes,” they further said.
By GIDEON VISAYA
