Sand quarrying... a battle we can win

Thank you readers and friends who contributed to the discussion of addressing the Sand Quarrying problem in Lake Mainit.

Unfortunately, I have no direct access to the Mayor nor the Barangay Captain. I know some of you have. Just kindly relate to them how concerned we are, and how willing we are to help.

Read entire post...

But fortunately, I have direct access to the LMDA Manager, Engr. Kaiser Recabo. Glad that he was able to shed some light about the issue, and the struggles he had for the past 10 years.

He was even threatened to be sued before the ombudsman by prominent personalities in Mainit for not taking action. In fairness, the LMDA has already brought the problem to the attention of every possible arena within the province, from the households, to the lakeshore community, to the barangay, to the LGU, up to the provincial government. He admitted making enemies out of personally apprehending people in the business of sand quarrying... the manghahakot, the managers, the operators, the buyers. He continues to do so, and with the Pidjanga Blog Community's attention to it, LMDA's hopes for more immediate action to the problem THIS YEAR!

In between the lines, I've sensed that in some parts of the lake, sand quarrying is permitted. What the LMDA has lobbied for is to contain the operations within the permitted zone. But who would to get sand from Tapian when it will cost them more gasoline and time. Operators can have it in the park area, in the BLISS, in the Panayakpan... easily!!! Both the municipality and the barangay generate income from this (tax), and so, logically, terminating the operations means termination of income.

Now, how do we go about this?

I think it is about time to volt our powers in (ala Voltes V), make a concerted effort to raise our voices as one, and storm the authorities with our advocacy... SAVE our Lake!!!

In this cause, I quote the American Indigenous people "We do not inherit the Earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children." Indeed, let's conserve and preserve Lake Mainit... let it remain a living lake for our children and grandchildren. Let us be caretakers of this God's beautiful gift... the Philippines' deepest and cleanest lake!

Support me in this cause... be a caretaker!"

(I opened in January 1, 2008, a new blog dedicated to Lake Mainit. I do not know how to make it more relevant. But it is there... www.lakemainit.blogspot.com)

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Jan 19, 2008

The 2009 Lake Mainit Flood in Photos

Heavy rains in Mainit started 11 January 2009 and is still on-going!

(Click photos to enlarge)


The swimming pool submerged by the flood!


A resident flashes her smile despite the devastation!


The entrance of Mainit National High School (MNHS) in flood waters.


Sections of the BLISS Housing Community.


The corner of Mondano and Francisco Sts., in Purok Rosal, Brgy. Quezon. See comparative photo of 2005 and 2006 here.


The municipal disaster monitoring board, as of 16 January 2009.



Photos: Vice Mayor Jessnar Mosende and Councilor Al Roding Behagan
Jan 18, 2009

An GUOB sa Panan-aw ni Hemantayon II

The yearly guob (A different perspective) Part II

I too read, your concerns (initially) and with some of the research that were made based on the Google maps that was the basis for the suggestions and again the same conclusion lead us to believe that the main tributaries (I see two) that augment, supplies and confound the situation are known given, but perhaps the little known subject of ‘water finding its own level’ has been overlooked or is/was (maybe) not taken into consideration. By the looks of it and how it was explained in that scenario, was that, from the “fork-delta” that flowed from the South-southeastern most tributary it went up northwards to the lake and the lake, naturally as its receptor… basing on this phenomena, it is safe to say that the elevation of the fork-junction is higher than the lake level by then, because it pours into it (meaning the flow of water goes northbound) to a point that when the elevation or water level rises on the lake and its natural surroundings (ubiquitously)… and now at this point, is higher than the river concerned, then naturally it forces (funnels) back the flow from that same channel southwards until it is siphoned out from the lake… again as hydraulics with prove us that not all liquids are fluids meaning silt as it quarries itself and carries such to where it pleases becomes a yearly phenomenon too -compounded by the main tributary to the north of it as it runs parallel to a certain point, which slowly but steadily releases its volume with no regard. Meanwhile the flooding is surely there and affects everyone concerned, especially Mainitnons. Notwithstanding the magnitude and the volume of water it possesses.

Then comes the issue of territory (Agusan del Norte as against Surigao del Norte), or for that matter Mainit who I believe gets the major brunt of the devastation… when it happens, the major players become the initiators of the project which naturally may or may not regard what impact it would create to its neighbor (proof is the fact that DWPH-Agusan constructed a dam to control the flow of water on its side weary of itself (own flooding problem) and perhaps not thinking of the effect (serious) on others, the result, a big failure and waste of money, in short a band-aid solution to what would otherwise be a major surgery…of course I don’t have to address whose pockets were lined substantially for that is another issue…

Now comes what?
1) Dredging- does it really alleviate when called for? Or it makes the flow towards the lake faster and easier hence, flooding…. How about the backflow, (aptly reverse flow) will it be attainable now that it’s deep and speedier towards the sea or out of the lake? Or holds the water indefinitely than it should be with the dredging? So now this becomes a yearly project (the big IF) if it works, good for the DWPH people it’s called job security…what about the alluvial deposits or silt that it forms in the river fork/delta? everytime the flooding starts up….

2) LMDA – nascent as it may appear, does it have the clout to supersede ALL issues that pertains or concerns or better yet affect Mainit Lake? Is it more of a watchdog? Not an implementer/or of policies and policing the various issues and wedges itself when necessary? For sure, I am not privy to it…

3) Reforestation – I am one with you, and when the right time comes and I have to shell out a few of my hard earned money, do count me in… If I remember it right, I believe, I made my share once as anonymous thru your second cousin, (I don’t have to mention who) and saw snippets of it (pictures), not that I would question it but the drive to make a difference is what matters most, it’s true I am from the city, not a proud Pidjanga like most if not all bloggers in your website and I find it interesting and fulfilling...Do keep up the good work and once again thank you for letting me… oh my a strong earthquake just hit us here in LA around 8:40 pm Sunday…

Pidjanga notes: Salamat karadjaw, Kabs (kababayan). Maradjaw kay imo tagganihan nan panahon inin problema sa ato Danao. Ikaw gani na taga-ciudad ra, nagpakabana, I am sure the rest of the Pidjangas will follow. Matud pa, kukabildo ini. Thank you... keep on writing. Be assusred that your thoughts will always be considered. BTW, I am great fan of your blog as well. Cheers, Zimm/Pidjanga.

May 18, 2009

Bangkal Trees - Nice View

Got news from Forester Jerry Acero of SNCAT that our September 2006 Tree Planting project (related posts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) is now providing a nice view of our lake shore in Mainit. Together with LMDA, headed by its manager Engr. Kaiser Recabo, they are currently conducting follow-up operations in the area e.g pagayas, abono, etc.

Both Jerry and Kaiser plan to take photos of the tree planting site. I am looking forward to receive them and post here.

I haven't asked but I think that the budget for this operation is currently being shouldered by LMDA.

Pidjangas and Mainitnons... ATO INI! Once again, in behalf of the Mainitnons and its children, thank you sponsors for this wonderful, wonderful gift. Your continued support is highly appreciated.

Zimm
www.pidjanga.blogspot.com
Jul 17, 2007

Mainit in State of Calamity 2009

The Local Government of Mainit has declared yesterday that the municipality is in a state of calamity due to continuous rains starting early this week which caused flooding (guob) of certain communities around Lake Mainit. According to Fr. Rey Maldo, Mainit Catholic Priest, the total number of evacuees has already reached around 140 families (or around 700 individuals) from the poblacion area alone, mostly from the BLISS Housing Community in Purok Rosal. The evacuees are currently housed at the Quezon Elementary School (80 families) and Catholic Pastoral Council (60 families).

Councilor Nonong Behagan sent last night the photo below showing that the Lake water has already covered the Lake Mainit park (including the newly constructed swimming pool). Weather forecast says that continuous heavy rains will continue until next week. In fact, PAGASA projects that this bad weather caused by the Northeast Moonsoon (Amihan) will likely continue until mid-February. With this, the lake will still likely to grow, which will further affect more families and individuals.

Damage to properties is still to be assessed. I still have to hear the situations in Barangay Magpayang, Roxas, Mabini, San Isidro, Matin-ao, Tolingon, San Francisco, Mansayao, Tapian, and Tagbuyawan - all coastal barangays of Mainit.

(Click photo to enlarge)


The declaration of the state of calamity will allow the LGU access to the Municipal Calamity Funds worth 5% of the total LGU budget or around P2 million. Current release is reported to be around P300,000.

Vice Mayor Nonoy Mosende has joined yesterday the Philippine National Red Cross in visiting the evacuation centers and assessing the relief requirements. They have initially identified top priority families who need shelter and food. Eventually they will dwell on identifying livelihood assistance.

With the request of Fr. Rey Maldo and Sr. Juliet Banjao, and together with the Tambayong Mainitnon Incorporated (c/o Mana Magnette Labrador and Mana Inday Dimaampao), the Kasama Ka, will coordinate a solicitation drive here in Manila and abroad to assist the relief operations. Fr. Rey says that currently they have enough supplies for around a week. But since we know that the flooding (guob) subsides after around a month or two, relief operations is needed at least for a month.

I have contacted friends from the relief operations of the NASSA-CBCP who has also helped us in 2006 by donating 50 sacks of rice (see list of donors here). Fr. Rey will send requests to NASSA-CBCP through the Surigao Diocesan Social Action Center headed by Fr. Lolong Ramada.

If you want to send in your donations or refer a person or institution/agency whom we could send a solicitation letter, please contact me via email at pidjangaATgmailDOTcom. or through text at 0917-800-4557.

Photo: Councilor Al Rodin Behagan
Jan 16, 2009

Guob na sab 2009

One of the Pidjanga Advocacies is to address the chronic flooding (guob) in Lake Mainit (see here or the sidebar).

You may recall that the 2006 guob has cost millions of damages (here) and has affected hundreds of families (see the Mainit Lake flooding in pictures: Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, Series 4).

This phenomenon, just like the annual flooding of the Nile River in Egypt, is SO COMMON and SO REGULAR, that we seem to REACT only when we see Mainitnons, children, families evacuating to Quezon Elementary School, to the Catholic Convent, and to other evacuation centers.

Around the same time last year, LMDA has provided both immediate and long term solutions to the GUOB which I blogged here.

Jaon kahay mamati? Balita-i rakan ako kun ugaling jaon nay bisan nulaong lamang na "uy, unhon kaha nato iton?".

Nan, GUOB na man sab kuman. Abot na kuno sa BLISS! Kanin-o problema ini? Kan Mayor Ramon? Kan Vice Mayor Jessnar? Kan Konsehal Nonong sanan ija kaibanan sa konseho? Kan Kapitan Pepe? Kan Mano Onyot?

Syalan rakan!

(Thanks to the updates of Ybong, Nonong, Jerry, Monmon and Mano Onyot)

Jan 14, 2009

Finally, a consultation on Sand Quarrying in Lake Mainit

I just got a word from the Mainit Municipal Council that on Monday, 17 March 2008, there will be a community consultation (dili kuno pagtawagon na hearing!!! kay basin suertres sanan kaso ang huna-hunaon nan participants) to discuss the problem of Sand Quarrying in Lake Mainit.

There will be invitees from provincial offices of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Environment Monitoring Office (PEMO), and the Provincial Governor. The municipal council, with the support of the LMDA, will spearhead the event. Numerous stakeholders have been invited from the people's organization, NGOs, church, academe, and other sectors. I was invited to represent Mainit Dot Org. (laong ko in-active man an MDO since 2006 pa... amo ako tag-request si Mana Bebot Mosende to attend in my behalf as Pidjanga Advocate. If you happen to be there, please attend the consultation and voice out our Pidjanga advocacies.).

The converging sentiment seems to point at STOPPING the quarry operations as soon as possible. If not, the resource speakers from the province will shed light on what are the legal provisions why Sand Quarrying is allowed in the lake, and how the Municipal and Barangay governments and its communities can help ensure the conservation of our beloved lake, despite the quarrying operations being ALLOWED by the provincial government.

I am very glad to hear from the representatives of the council that our Pidjanga Blog is a "powerful" voice and venue for issue discussion and advocacy.

I continue to make an open invitation to ALL our officials, from the Municipal Mayor down to Barangay Officials, that YOU can make this blog your ONLINE dashboard or blackboard where you can post your PLANS, your ACHIEVEMENTS, and even your WORRIES, so that your constituents will be empowered to participate and be one with you in local governance. Kun bugkoson an mga bikog para mahimo na silhig, hamok an mahinglo na lipa, dako an agi!

Post: Zimmbodilion (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Mar 14, 2008

Janitor Fish Advocacy Update

Salamat karadjaw Konsehal Nonong Behagan for taking immediate action on the Pidjanga Letter to the Officials of Lake Mainit Municipalities (posted here).

Through your efforts and the quick action of our local government units, we hope that the dangerous Janitor Fish will never wreck havoc to our beloved Lake Mainit.

More power!

From all PIDJANGAS of Cyber Danao.

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Aug 13, 2007

2006 Adopt-a-Tree Project - Panayakpan

Marajao karadjao, Mindanao!

As of today, May 10, 2006 (Wednesday):
230 of the 250 trees (92%) have already been adopted for the MDO Tree Planting Day on September 16, 2006. (See list of sponsors here).

Daghang salamat!

---
Thank you sponsors!

As of May 9, 2006 (Tuesday):
135 trees of the 250 (54%) have already been adopted for the MDO Tree Planting Day on September 16, 2006. (See list of sponsors here).

Please help us by adopting a tree (click here) or by spreading this call (Cut and paste the following to your email messages, websites, and/or blogs):

Save Mainit Lake - Support our 2006 Adopt-a-Tree Project
http://pidjanga.blogspot.com/2006/04/adopt-tree-in-mainit.html


Project Brief
MDO Tree Planting Day (Adopt-a-Tree Project)
September 16, 2006 – 5am to 9am
Panayakpan Watershed Area
Lake Mainit, Mainit, Surigao del Norte
PHILIPPINES

Partners
1. Mainit National High School (MNHS)

• preparation of the panayakpan tree planting site;
• mobilization of 4th year students during the tree planting day;
• preparation of 250 (or more) triangular tree guards;
• preparation of 100 Talisay seedlings;
• provision of lakeside tent for tree planting participants and sponsors.

2. Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT)

• preparation of 250 Bangkal seedlings;
• technical assistance on the tree planting procedures;
• assistance in the maintainance and growing of trees.

3. Mainit Parish Youth

• coordination of tree planting activities;
• preparation of nametags for the tree planting participants and sponsors;
• preparation of NUMBER and NAME TAGS OF TREES (named after the sponsors).

4. Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA)

• assistance in the preparation of the panayakpan tree planting site;
• assistance in the maintainance and growing of trees.

5. Mainit Dot Org, Inc (MDO)

• project coordination; fund raising/identification of sponsors;
• project financial management (c/o MDO Treasurer Didik);
• promotions (websites, blog, signages - tarpaulin/video/multimedia, etc).

6. Local Government Unit of Mainit

• provision of transportation (truck);
• provision of equipments for planting (hoe, shovel, karomata, etc);
• safety management (first aid, security, etc)

By: Zimmbodilion Y. Mosende
May 10, 2006

Categories: news, lake, projects, mainit, surigao, mindanao, philippines

In Surigao, solution to dire classroom shortage is found

Source: Inquirer 08/05/2007

EACH day of school, 273 students of Day-asan National High School in Surigao hold classes in two classrooms: There is a makeshift hut made of nipa and, beside it, a room that doubles as the barangay's multipurpose hall.

Despite the school's effort to make do with what is available, the students still find it difficult to learn because of the noise and overcrowding.

With the rainy season ushering in typhoons and strong winds, this becomes an even bigger concern for Day-asan residents.

Read more here.

Pidjanga notes: Sus, puydi man badja an lupa gamiton. Kadtoon ta an Day-asan kay dakan mahibay-an ta unhon ton paghinang nan bayay na lupa. We can save our trees!

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Aug 9, 2007

Janitor Fish as Animal Feeds

Pati man badja Laguna Lake nagkaguliyang na nan inin Janitor Fish.

Here's one of the solutions the folks of Laguna has identified: Janitor Fish as Animal Feed.

Marikina City also developed their solutions. Click here.

"Necessity is the mother of invention"... amo na ini... tungod kay di na matabang an kabuang nan Janitor Fish, nanga-imbento na ini na mga proyekto.

PERO, waya pa ma-solusyuni an pagpakgang sa Janitor Fish! Amo, na an ato hangjo sa liderato nan kada municipio nagpalibot sa tibook Lake Mainit, ato gihapon ipa-abot dila.

Tabang pidjanga... protektahi an ato danaw!

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Aug 8, 2007

Citizens Speak: PREVENT JANITOR FISH, SAVE Lake Mainit

Open letter to the Officials and Leaders of the Municipalities surrounding Lake Mainit

The Mayors, Vice Mayors and Sanguniang Bayan Members of the Municipalities of Mainit, Alegria, Kitcharao, Santiago, Tubay, and Jabonga:

Dear Sirs and Madams,

We, the citizens of Lake Mainit, have seen the devastating effect of the Janitor Fish to the Rivers of Marikina and Agusan Marsh, thanks to the excellent documentation of GMA7's i-Witness.

We can still prevent this from happening to our beloved Lake Mainit, if we act together as one true community, as soon as possible.

We therefore appeal to your leadership to act on this potential devastation and mobilize resources and communities to create a comprehensive community response.

The online community of Mainitnons and Surigaonons, through the Pidjanga Blog (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com), has identified the following possible solutions for your consideration:

1. Comprehensive Multi-Municipality Information and Education Campaign - Through the help of the Lake Mainit Development Authority (LMDA), the municipalities of Mainit, Alegria, Kitcharao, Santiago, Tubay, and Jabonga will have a comprehensive community information and education campaign to raise awareness about the reality of the Janitor Fish, how it can potentially destruct the ecosytem of Lake Maint, and how the communities can prevent this.

2. Creation of Municipal Ordinances - to support the above Information and Education Campaign, and identify sanctions to those who will be caught putting janitor fish in the lake or in the rivers surrounding the lake.

3. Organization of Community Citizens Watch Groups - to conduct regular surveillance activities around the lake and its tributaries.

4. Joint Surigao and Agusan Provincial Surveillance - to conduct province-wide inspections of Pet Fish Stores and disallow the sale of Janitor Fish.

We trust in you.

Citizens of Lake Mainit

Pidjanga note: If you happen to be a current resident of any of the above towns, please feel free to print this and give to your local government officials. Thanks.

Post: Zimm (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Aug 7, 2007

LMDA - Lake Mainit Flood Control and Drainage Project

MASTER PLAN AND FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR FLOOD CONTROL AND DRAINAGE PROJECT IN LAKE MAINIT WATER BASIN

By: Engr. Kaiser B. Recabo, Jr, Director, LMDA

The PMO assisted the Woodfields Consultant, Inc., a planning and engineering consulting firm commission by the DPWH Project Management Office for Flood Control and SABO Engineering Center for the conduct of Master Plan and Feasibility Study on flooding in one of the 15 river basin in the Philippines in which Lake Mainit is one site. This activity is a welcome development to solve the perennial flooding in the area and is long awaited project for the past 5 years. The team is composed of MR. SUSUMU HEISHE and ENGR. BARRY OCAY. They had also provided us a survey questionnaire on flood and sediment damage and present flood control, sabo and drainage facilities which was distributed to the six LGU’s affected by flooding.

The team schedule a five day visit last Jan. 22 to 26, 2010 to gather data from different concerned agencies like DPWH Engineering District for both Agusan del Norteand Surigao del Norte, NIA, PAGASA, PPDO of both provinces and selected LGU’s. The PMO had accompanied and guided them in their familiarization and ocular survey in the Lake and its tributaries including ground trotting of the Kalinawan River. The team visited all the tributaries that are passable by vehicle starting on the western side on the lake, from the Mayag river in Mainit and all rivers that it passes to the National Highway in Alegria, Kitcharao then going inside the inlet of Kalinawan in Jabonga.

In Jabonga, the team had survey the Bangonay River up to sitio Apaapa, Bangonay, Jabonga where the river split into two river, the Puyo and Bangonay. They also visit the confluence of Bangonay river and Kalinawan river at sitio Nangka, Colorado, Jabonga and ground trot the flood plains between Jabonga and Santiago. In Santiago we visit the Aciga river down to its confluence with Kalinawan at Brgy Lapaz, Santiago. The team river cruise from Lapaz to Corro in Jabonga to search for the rapids or any condition that may cause the flooding. The last area we visited is the Tubay river toward the sea.

All rivers and interesting sites are being marked by GPS including the maximum inundation level of the flooding. Photographs will also take and a brief history is being recorded. The initial data gather will be consolidated including the survey questionnaire and analyze. The team will be back by March to present the initial report and possible options to solve the flooding in the Lake Mainit.

Source: www.lmda.wordpress.com

Post: Zimmbodilion (www.pidjanga.blogspot.com)
Feb 5, 2010

2013 Guob sa Lake Mainit (January 2013)

2013 na waya pay gihapon solusyon sa guob (annual flooding) nan Lake Mainit.

Nan 2008 pa, may mga solusyon na an mga Pidjangana taghan-ay sa lamesa (HERE). Pero inday hain na man ang mga mayores nan 8 ka lungsod nagpalibot sa danao... hain na man an mga nagpakabana na katawhan? Hangtud kuman aya man gihapoy maguntan na bunga pagpugong nan pag-taas nan tubig sa danao.

Nan 2006, aktibo inin Pidjanga Blogger pagtabang sa mga naguoban (see posts HERE). Tag-estimar na mukabat nan milyones an danyos tungod sa guob... pinaka-igo an mga kahumajan... ikaduha ra an kabilinggan nan mga namakwit. Kalooy sa Ginoo, halos iska-libo ka Mainitnon an inkatabanagan... mga hinabang gikan sa nagkalain-laing tawo sanan organizasyon mukabat hapit P200,000.

Nan, simay ganahan maningkamot mutabang kun nagsige rakan inin guob? Kun kada tuig rakan? Kada tuig isab an pamakwit? Kada tuig isab an pangamujo sa mga may karadjawan nan hinabang. Di bagan kun sakto.

Ugsa, sa tinood ra, nawaya ako gana mutabang sa mga relief operations. Naghinaut rakan inin ijo Pidjanga blogger, na inin tag-suyat ko na mga solusyon circa 2008, makaabot sa ato opisyales sanan sa mga interesado mutabang. Ikaw alo? uay imoy iakatabang?

See more photos HERE by www.surigaoislands.com. Thanks Monmon for the photos.

Mar 1, 2012