Clearing at Tamburong Creek to begin with DENR

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Clearing operations at Tamburong Creek in La Castellana, Negros Occidental will begin soon under the supervision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), following the go-ahead from Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said in a phone interview Tuesday that the effort aims to remove waterway obstructions that pose flooding risks to nearby communities.

He said the Office of the Provincial Engineer, led by Engr. Ernie Mapa, has been tasked to survey the area and identify access points for heavy equipment.

Once the site is ready, two backhoes and two dump trucks will be deployed to carry out the clearing operations, Diaz added.

“All materials such as sand, gravel, and rocks recovered from the creek will be placed under DENR custody inside the Mount Kanlaon National Park nursery and station compound,” he said.

Rather than estimating volume, Diaz said the provincial government will track actual deliveries by truckload for transparency and accountability.

The Provincial Environment Management Office and the DENR conducted an assessment earlier this week, but operations are only now proceeding due to the area’s protected status.

“This has long been a priority, but because the area falls under environmental protection, we needed proper coordination with DENR before taking action,” Diaz explained.

He said once Governor Lacson approved the initiative, teams were immediately mobilized to avoid further delays.

Diaz assured the public that clearing will continue until the creek can safely accommodate natural water flow and rainfall.

“Any deposits or debris that pose danger to lives and property will be removed as instructed,” he added.

He welcomed the support of other stakeholders, especially those with available equipment.

“This is a major undertaking, and those with heavy equipment who are willing to help are most welcome in this critical operation,” Diaz said.

Earlier flooding caused by continuous rains forced the evacuation of 17 families (55 individuals) from Barangay Robles and 20 families (85 individuals) from Barangay Sag-ang, both in La Castellana.

Part of Tamburong Creek lies within the Mount Kanlaon Natural Park, a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, which prohibits the hauling out of materials.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer-in-Charge Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya clarified that while dredging is allowed, the removed materials must remain within the area.

She said the materials may be relocated to the side of the riverbed, which could require repeated dredging in the future.