Pangasinan Second District Representative, Mark Cojuangco, said that he is pushing for the dredged materials from Lingayen Gulf to remain in the province for beach nourishment and flood mitigation.
Cojuangco added that these materials could help widen beaches, create a natural buffer against storm waves, and protect communities and properties.
The excess materials, he said, could be used as a landfill for flood-prone areas or even be distributed for free to residents.
According to the official, this plan is in line with the upcoming dredging of Agno River along the Limahong Channel in this town.
The project targets to dredge around 4.37 million cubic meters, which will be transported out of the province through a private contractor that would fund the dredging project.
Cojuangco also clarified that he supports the dredging initiative, as he himself sought the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) intervention due to heavy siltation.