DENR seeks P4.65B for dredging ops in Bicol, Cagayan rivers

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has asked the Department of Budget and Management to allot an additional P4.65 billion to expedite the completion of dredging activities in the Bicol and Cagayan rivers.

Of this amount, P1.45 billion will be spent to purchase new equipment for dredging the Bicol River, while P3.2 billion will be used for the same in Cagayan River.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, who also serves as chair of Task Force Build Back Better, said the government is pushing for an earlier completion of sandbar removals in both rivers.

The target for Bicol River, he said, will be moved from 2025 to 2023; for Cagayan River, from 2028 to 2025.

The DENR said part of the proposed funding for the Cagayan River will also be used for the restoration and replacement of 40 floodgates along the Naga-Calabanga embankment, which will amount to P64.1 million. —JHESSET O. ENANO