APARRI, Cagayan — Two years after the protests of about 2,000 fisherfolk in Aparri against black sand mining operations the repercussions are still “keenly felt” in this town.
Despite urgent calls for environmental preservation and the protection of livelihoods, the scars of mining persist, casting a shadow over the region’s ecological balance and economic stability, the Aparri environment protection group noted in a statement on Saturday here.
Reports on social media here with almost 200,000 views continue to highlight the “enduring impact of the mining activities on their daily lives.” Fishermen lament the dwindling catch, echoing the sentiments expressed during the protest in 2022.
“The once-abundant marine resources have yet to recover, leaving many families grappling with diminished incomes and uncertain futures. Moreover, concerns raised about the erosion threat posed by the dredging project have not abated. Residents fear the long-term consequences of ecological disruption, especially in an area prone to flooding and vulnerable to the ravages of climate change,” concerned citizens said.
“While the authorities claim the dredging project was necessary for river restoration and flood control, the voices of the affected communities cannot be stifled. The disparity between official assurances and the actual experiences of the people underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and genuine consultation in decision-making processes,” they said.
“As we reflect on the events of two years ago, it is clear that the struggle for environmental justice in Cagayan is far from over. The legacy of the protest lives on as a testament to the resilience and determination of communities to safeguard the natural heritage and secure a sustainable future for generations to come,” fisherman Eddie Saquing said.
Fishermen lamented the dwindling catch, echoing the sentiments expressed during the protest of 2022.
“The once-abundant marine resources have yet to recover, leaving many families grappling with diminished incomes and uncertain future. Moreover, concerns raised about the erosion threat posed by the dredging project have not abated. Residents fear the long-term consequences of ecological disruption, especially in the flood-prone areas that are vulnerable to the ravages of climate change,” the advocates noted.
