Desilting of Malandog River

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6 through its Provincial ENR Office in Antique launched on July 9, 2020 the desilting activity of the Malandog River at Maybato Sur, San Jose, Antique as part of its ongoing Rehabilitation and Development Program.

Leading the activity is Annie Camilo from the office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, LGU Province of Antique, San Jose Mayor Elmer Untaran together with DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr., PENRO Antique Andres T. Untal and CENR Officer Louie L. Laud.

Blessing of the long-reach amphibious excavator from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office was also officiated by a Fr. Edione Febrero prior to the desilting activity.

The desilting activity is necessary to remove silt materials that block the natural flow of water from estuarine area of the river. It will help improve the discharge flow capacity and enhancement of river ecosystems.

Malandog River was tagged by the DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu as the “Antique’s Next Big Thing,” considering its historical significance as the site where the Ten Bornean Datus landed in 12^th century.

“Malandog River is the only ancient tourist destination in the country,” said Secretary Cimatu. And with the modern development along with the conservation strategies are coupled, the Malandog River will spur on ecotourism activities and will rise the tourism economy in the province of Antique.

Malandog River Rehabilitation and Development Project (MaRiReDeP) is among the pet projects of DENR Secretary Cimatu in the region.