Calamba flooding blamed on quarrying

LAGUNA, Philippines — Local government officials have raised concerns over the worsening floods in parts of Calamba City, which residents blame on quarrying activities at the foot of Mt. Makiling.

Following the heavy rains on Saturday, videos of floodwater causing traffic congestion along the highway in Barangay Pansol circulated on social media.

Calamba Mayor Roseller Rizal ordered the suspension of a subdivision project and imposed a moratorium on all development activities in mountainous areas of Barangays Pansol, Bucal and Bagong Kalsada.

Nilo Tamoria, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) director for the Calabarzon, said the quarrying activities that were posted on social media are not within the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, but in private lands.

Tamoria noted that some quarrying operations fall under the jurisdiction of the local government, although these are still subject to DENR oversight.

He said the DENR continues to assess which areas may be granted permits and regularly monitors those with existing permits to ensure compliance with regulations.