Binmaley: Second District Rep. Mark Cojuangco is advocating for the dredged materials from Lingayen Gulf to be retained within the province to aid in beach nourishment and flood mitigation. Cojuangco highlighted that these materials have the potential to expand beaches, form a natural barrier against storm waves, and protect local communities and properties.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cojuangco suggested that any surplus materials could be used as landfill for areas susceptible to flooding or even distributed to residents at no cost. This proposal aligns with the forthcoming dredging of Agno River along the Limahong Channel in Binmaley.

The dredging project aims to remove approximately 4.37 million cubic meters of materials, which are currently slated to be transported out of the province by a private contractor funding the project. Cojuangco clarified his support for the dredging initiative, which he had prompted by seeking the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) involvement due to significant siltation issues.

However, Cojuangco insists that the dredged materials should be utilized locally, specifically along the coastline from Barangay Sabangan to Buenlag in Binmaley town. This area is affected by coastal erosion and flooding during the monsoon season and storm surges. He expressed hope that authorities would address the hazardous situation in Barangay Sabangan, which faces flooding from seawater during the southwest monsoon season, high tide, and possible storm surges.

The lawmaker referenced the Technical Cooperation Project for Capacity Development in Coastal Engineering for Disaster Resiliency, a collaboration between DPWH and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, identifying beach nourishment as an effective solution to the coastal challenges in Lingayen and Binmaley.

Cojuangco noted that past human activities disrupted the natural sand flow from the Calmay River to the Agno River, resulting in shoreline erosion. He emphasized that restoring sand flow through dredging would be a corrective action rather than reclamation.

In an appeal to authorities, Cojuangco urged reconsideration of the current plan, stating, “I fully support dredging, as long as the materials remain here in the delta.”