Following reports that some Chinese workers onboard vessels were conducting dredging activities in Zambales — allegedly causing severe damage to private properties and the environment — a top provincial official denied the claim on Tuesday, assuring the public that no Chinese company is involved in the province’s River Restoration Program or dredging operations.

“We have not given a permit to any Chinese company. We only have legitimate Filipino workers operating the dredging machines,” Provincial Consultant on Engineering and Infrastructure Development Engineer Domingo Mariano said.

The official clarified that the vessels identified by critics as “Chinese ships” were actually acquired from China but are now Philippine-flagged vessels.

He explained that all ships and their crew members underwent the required scrutiny and approval of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

Earlier, a member of the House of Representatives recommended an investigation into an alleged Chinese firm accused of conducting dredging operations in Zambales, reportedly resulting in widespread environmental damage and loss of livelihood among coastal residents.

According to the report, the lawmaker alleged that dredging activities destroyed marine habitats, drastically reduced fishing income, and endangered coastal communities. However, Engr. Mariano emphasized that the dredging program has in fact benefited the people of Zambales.

“There are no more houses damaged. There is no one who needs to be rescued. And more importantly, the province gained revenue income,” he said.

Mariano explained that sand extracted from the Santo Tomas, Bucao, and Nacolcol Rivers in Zambales was supplied to the Pasay Reclamation Project and the Bulacan Airport Project.

“Other smaller projects are being supplied with sand. By virtue of a provincial resolution, all extracted minerals, such as sand, in any part of the province are subject to taxes,” he said. “The revenue is allocated with 50 percent going to the province of Zambales, 30 percent to the LGU, and 20 percent to the barangays covering the area.”

He added that 50 percent of the provincial share is used for student assistance programs for scholars across Zambales — including those taking board examinations, pursuing master’s or doctorate degrees, and graduates with Latin honors. The remaining funds are spent on infrastructure projects and free medical services in four provincial hospitals.

Mariano stressed that the project is not just about generating income but also forms part of environmental protection and disaster-prevention efforts for residents.

He added that the province provides assistance to about 27,000 registered fishermen, including fishing payaos (fish aggregating devices), gear, and an P87-million fishing harvester vessel purchased by the provincial government to help local fishermen compete with commercial fleets.

“All of these are projects from the initiative of Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. for the welfare of the citizens throughout the province,” Mariano said.

Responding to reports of mounting complaints from local communities over the dredging operations, Mariano countered that the concerns likely came from a few individuals with personal interests.

“They built permanent structures over accretion areas, which were considered danger zones by the DENR, but illegal settlers and businesses popped up in the area like mushrooms,” he said. Mariano also clarified that claims of fishermen losing income due to the dredging operations were unfounded.