By Farah G. Decano

 

WHEN we speak of our environment, we are speaking of our moral duty. As Pope Francis reminds us in his encyclical, Laudato Si’, the Earth is our “common home,” and to care for it is a profound responsibility.

*          *          *          *

What is unfolding now along the coastlines of Pangasinan is a stark example of a continuing failure to properly shepherd our God-given resources — and nowhere is this clearer than in the municipality of Sual. 

Sual was once renowned for its enchanting, clear waters and scenic islands, a beloved destination where families and tourists flocked to swim. According to current reports, however, those who have recently tried to take a dip along the coastlines of Sual report a distressing experience: a pervasive stench and an irritating itch. 

The alleged cause of this environmental decay is impossible to ignore: a proliferation of hundreds of floating fish cages that have choked the municipal waters. These cages have not only sullied the water quality but have also severely damaged the very desirability of this once-pristine municipality. The unchecked growth of this industry is driving Sual toward environmental perdition. 

This is not just a local issue; it is a moral concern that touches all of us. When we fail to protect a natural treasure like Sual, we are diminishing the common home we all share. 

Mayor Dong Calugay, the time for decisive action is now. We must move beyond short-term economic interests to protect the long-term health and beauty of Sual. Save Sual. Restore its waters. Preserve this precious part of our common home for the generations to come. 

*          *          *          *

The proliferation of fish pens in Pantal River has been a significant contributing factor to the frequent and worsening floods in Dagupan City.

These structures, most likely installed without sufficient consideration for water flow, act as obstructions, impeding the natural movement of water out to the Lingayen Gulf and reducing the river’s overall capacity to drain floodwaters.

This problem is compounded by the high sediment load in the Pantal River, which traverses the Agno River delta.

The physical presence of fish pens traps debris and accelerates siltation of the riverbed, making the river shallower and further decreasing its ability to convey flood volume to the sea.

Local authorities in Dagupan City have recognized this issue of fish pens. River clean-up drives and fish pen regulations have been undertaken to improve water flow and mitigate navigational hazards.

*          *          *          *

We had the opportunity to discuss the matter with Aquaculturist Henry Canlas from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region One. He recommends the use of fixed fish cages with bottom nets that are elevated above the riverbed. This design allows the flow of water to continue underneath the cage structure, minimizing the blockage and negative impact on the river’s natural drainage function. 

But there is more that can be done to prevent siltation, the elevation of the riverbed, and thus its overflow. 

Aside from dredging and constructing embankments, the City can perhaps consider the following structural or maintenance measures: 

• Installation of Watergates and Pumping Stations – These structures can control the water flow during different seasons, potentially reducing the inflow of sediment-laden water during flood events and improving drainage. 
• Low-Water Channel Improvement – Implementing civil engineering works like widening or straightening the main low-water channel in specific stretches to increase flow capacity and potentially reduce the settling of sediment; and 
• Construction of Sediment Traps – Creating artificial depressions or basins in strategic locations to encourage sediment to settle in a specific, easily-dredged area before it reaches more critical parts of the river. 

I’m no expert, but I hope the above suggestions will merit the city government’s attention.