Since quarrying operations began in the Pilan River in Davao del Sur, Mae*, a resident of Brgy. Sinoron, Sta. Cruz has faced multiple flooding threats—including one that nearly reached their home, just over a kilometer away from the river.
While the floods did not reach Mae’s house, residents of Barangays Zone II, Zone III, and Zone IV suffered significantly whenever the river overflowed. In 2012, for instance, a flash flood damaged 21 houses and affected 27 families.
“Mabuti na lang at hindi kami nabahaan kasi medyo malayo kami sa ilog. Yung mga bato sa gilid ng ilog na nagsisilbing pundasyon sana, nawala na dahil sa quarrying kaya mas mabilis na yung pagbaha,” Mae shared in an interview with the Collegian.
Now that the concrete production firm Horizon Concrete Products Corporation’s five-year permit to quarry has expired, Mae cannot help but feel anxious upon the consultative meeting held by the company with the residents on Dec. 4, 2024.
The meeting sought the approval for the renewal of the company’s permit, but after its proceedings, residents who shared the same sentiment as Mae protested against the renewal of the quarry operations due to numerous environmental concerns, including flooding and river damage.
They are also required to apply for an Environmental Compliance Certificate along with an Environmental Impact Statement, ensuring that their activities comply with the country’s environmental laws while protecting the environment and the welfare of the communities surrounding the project.
Since 2008, the family-owned firm—established by 2019 to 2022 Sta. Cruz Mayor Jaime Lao Jr.—has been extracting sand and gravel from the river. He and his father, Jaime Lao Sr., continue their venture into politics, with the father-son tandem running for Sta. Cruz’s two highest positions this year.
Excavators and trucks have dredged the river, causing erosion along the riverside and breaking apart natural rock formations, which Mae worries might result in a landslide when accompanied by heavy rains.
Several barangays, including flood-prone areas such as Brgy. Zone II and Brgy. Sinoron, have also been identified as erosion-prone, a condition that can be attributed to quarrying operations, further increasing the risk of flash floods.
Barangay officials also hope that the company’s renewal request will be denied, as the river has been designated an ecotourism destination, requiring sustainable practices for the protection and enrichment of the community and the tourist spot itself.
“Pilan River serves as a tourist attraction nowadays, bringing in many visitors to our barangay and generating income for us residents,” Mae added.
With the rise of tourism at the Pilan River, residents have turned it into a valuable source of income, including Mae, who earns an average of P9,000 per month as a part-time tour guide. Through this, she supports her studies while also contributing to her family’s expenses.
But with the company still asking for a renewal of their permit, Mae fears that further damage to the Pilan River will deter potential tourists, negatively affecting her job as a part-time tourist guide.
“Naapektuhan yung kalikasan. Ako as a tour guide, maapektuhan din yung promotion ko sa lugar. Kung mas masisira pa yung ilog, wala na talagang bibisita,” Mae added.
With the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XI declaring the renewal of the company’s permit on hold due to additional documentation, Mae and the other residents are calling on the local government to step in and prevent the company’s permit from being renewed.
“Alam ko na yung quarrying activities ay nagdadala ng malaking kita. The money is there, but the lives of thousands of people are at stake whenever calamities strike,” Mae said. ●
*Not her real name. She has asked the Collegian to conceal her identity.
