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BY JUN AGUIRRE
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KALIBO, Aklan – The provincial government considers having massive bamboo plantations along the Aklan River.
Capitol believes bamboos can reduce the risk of flooding in riverside communities.
According to the locals, the bamboos can protect them, said Gov. Florencio Miraflores.
Aklan River flows through Libacao, Madalag, Malinao, Lezo, Banga, Kalibo, Numancia, and Lezo.
“Residents along the river fear they would get flooded every time it rains,” said Miraflores. “We realized that if we plant bamboos, we could minimize the risk.”
Capitol mulls partnering with a youth organization for the planting.
Can bamboos protect riverside communities better than mangroves?
In October a former congressman complained about the presence of illegal structures in a coastal village here.
According to Allen Quimpo, the illegal structures — built on a mangrove plantation — put the capital town at risk of flooding.
After super typhoon “Yolanda” struck in November 2013, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ordered local government units to declare areas near coastlines “no-build zones.”
Mangrove plantations helped protect some areas from “Yolanda’s” strong winds and prevent flooding in localities next to rivers, Environment officials said./PN
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