A RECENT forum focusing on infrastructure development and environmental concerns may yet offer a ray of hope to the people of Eastern Samar to see the much-deserved development happen in their province.
The Diocese of Borongan hosted on July 24 the 4th Eastern Samar Peace and Development Forum (ESPDF) which discussed the current situation of the province’s infrastructures and environmental issues.
A report presented during the forum by the Eastern Samar Development Project Monitoring Team (ESDMT) highlighted the controversies involving the unfinished construction of road projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH).
The dreadful condition of roads in Eastern Samar has always been a perennial problem in the province which the people have learned to live with.
Environmental issues as regards the implementation of Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and mining concerns were also tackled during the meeting.
Other significant issues discussed were the practice of child labor in small mining sites and the operation of small and large-scale mining without proper consultation and permit.
Jeff Rafa of Alyansa Laban sa Mina sa Mindoro (ALAMIN) presented the National Situationer on Mining while Roslyn Arayata of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) National Secretariat discussed the Alternative Mining Bill.
At least more than 100 people attended the forum, representing parishes, ESDMT, non-government organizations, academe and media.
Representatives also came from government agencies, including the local government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mining and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Philippine Army and Philippine National Police.
Resolutions concerning mining and environmental issues have been drafted and agreed on by the participants at the end of the meeting.
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