Ilocos Sur residents resolutely stood against the destructive dredging operations of Isla Verde Mining and Development Company (IVMDC) at the Abra River estuary and in parts of the West Philippine Sea covered by the province. They collectively held a fluvial protest on July 16 to demand an immediate halt to the operations, which are damaging the environment and their livelihoods. They are also gathering signatures for a petition to stop the dredging.

The dredging began in May 2024 under the pretext of preventing flood in Vigan City, Caoayan, and Santa. An agreement between IVMDC and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office authorized the operation in June 2022. The Department of Public Works and Highways and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau granted the permit.

As of December 2024, the company had already excavated over eight million cubic meters of material from the Banaoang River, an Abra River tributary. These material were transported to Pasay City for use in a reclamation project.

Declining livelihood

From the start of the dredging activities, residents of 12 barangays in the towns of Santa and Caoayan complained about the noise, accelerated erosion of beach sand, and the declining fish catch. For over a year, large ships’ loud noises drive the fish away causing a drop in fish catches in the area.

In the past, fisherfolk earned around ₱1,000 a day from selling their catch, now, they can barely catch even for their consumption. Fisherfolk report that fish caught near the shoreline smell and taste like gasoline.

Some fisherfolk have been forced to sail up to 30 miles offshore just to make a decent catch. Consequenty, this raised their fuel expenses from ₱500 to ₱1,000-₱3,000 per day.

The catch of goby fry also fell drastically. From around 100 cans (17 liters each) previously, they now can only fill about 30 cans. Supply shortages have caused market prices to rise as well.

Sinking communities

Instead of solving the flooding problem, more rapid beach erosion due to dredging now worry residents about increased flooding. This intensified flood threats especially in Barangay Dammay and in the island-barangays of Oribi and Puro. Their worries have doubled with the rainy and typhoon season approaching.

Marine and coastal geology expert Dr. Fernando Siringan revealed that the dredging operation is being conducted at the wrong location. He said some parts of the Banaoang River indeed need excavation, but not the area being dredged.

He explained that the ongoing activities disturb the unstable estuary and draw sediments from coastal areas into the dredged pits. This increases the risk of seawater intrusion into a number of barangays. The operation worsens the flooding instead of solving it.

He added that transporting the dredged sand and gravel to Pasay City is also wrong as these materials should instead be relocated to other parts of the river.

Residents reported that public consultations were not held before the dredging began. A forum was held only in Barangay Rancho in Santa in November 2024, when the project was already underway.

Amid these issues, residents led by Defend Ilocos Sur are calling for an immediate stop to the dredging operations, compensation for those who lost their livelihoods, public disclosure of related documents and scientific studies, and accountability for the company over the destruction and impacts of its operations on local communities.