DENR declares 2 Bicol rivers ‘dead’

LEGAZPI CITY — Two big rivers in the Bicol Region have been declared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as "biologically dead."

These rivers are the Malaquit River in Paracale town in Camarines Norte and Panique River in Aroroy town in Masbate.

A team from the DENR found that the average dissolved oxygen (ADL) of Malaquit River was way below the standard for class C waters while the Panique River has even a much lower ADL.

"These rivers were assessed to find out whether these rivers were safe for the propagation of aquatic fish like tilapia and other aquatic resources and whether they could be used for recreation like swimming or boating, or even industrial use," said Fred Araya, head of public affairs office of the DENR in Bicol.

"Our office will inform the respective local government units where these dead rivers are located so that they will take appropriate action for their rehabilitation," said Araya.

Araya said that based on the audit report on the State of Philippine Environment written by Leonarda Camacho, a UNESCO Commission on Science and Technology, the major cause for the lower ADL of Paracale River was the alleged illegal and unlicensed gold processing in the area.

"Those engaged in this illegal activity are merely engaged in making money to the detriment of the people’s health," said Camacho, adding that this has been going on for the past 10 years.

"Is the government aware of this?" Camacho asked.