Marielle Garadaets, Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines, held a consultation meeting with Cavite fisherfolk recently to look into the impacts of dredging activities to people and the environment in Manila Bay.
In particular, the Dutch ambassador is looking into the alleged adverse environmental and social impact of the dredging operations of Boskalis, a Dutch maritime construction firm tapped by local corporations involved in one of the reclamation projects in Manila Bay.
According to Pamalakaya-Pilipinas , the National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organizations in the Philippines, fisherfolk from various towns in Cavite asserted that the Boskalis dredging project should be immediately terminated, citing its alleged adverse effects to fishing activities.
Pamalakaya spokesperson Ronnel Arambulo, who was present in the consultation, told the Dutch envoy to hold the Boskalis accountable for the damages it has inflicted on the livelihood of local fishers, as well as to the marine environment and fisheries resources.
The group reported an 80 percent decline in the average fish catch of fisherfolk since the dredging operations started two years ago.