River dredging has replaced sand mining but Chinese firms are still involved and coastal communities are still hurting

River dredging has replaced sand mining but Chinese firms are still involved and coastal communities are still hurting

Fishing boats carrying residents and environmental advocates approach dredging vessels near the mouth of the Abra River during a protest against ongoing dredging operations in Santa and Caoayan, Ilocos Sur on July 16, 2025. | PHOTO: John Joseph Lopez-Buenaventura, Tingnayan Productions Local fishing communities across the country’s western seaboard—from the far north in Cagayan to the Ilocos provinces to Zambales and the Mindoro provinces have b…