Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Romblon residents renew call against mining

Romblon residents staged a rally today as they renewed their call against mining in the island.

More than ten thousand people led by Romblon Forum Against Mining (REFAM) and Alliance of Students Against Mining (ASAM) gathered at Odiongan, Tablas Island calling for the junking of Mining Act of 1995.

REFAM chairman Msgr. Ernie Fetalino said the people’s attendance in the rally is a concrete manifestation of their opposition to all kinds of mining because of the dangers it pose on the islands’ topography.

“Mining fuels disasters brought about by the inconsistencies of our climate. We will never stop defending the integrity of creation and dignity of persons,” he said.

In a video message shown during the rally, former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros lauded Romblon Governor Eduardo Firmalo for issuing a mining moratorium in the province.

“Congratulations to Gov. Eduardo Firmalo, the local councils and the people of Romblon for the executive order and resolutions on mining moratorium. We continue to work against all destructive forms of mining,” Hontiveros said.

She said House Bill 3763, also known as Minerals Management Bill (MMB), filed in Congress by Akbayan aims to manage efficiently the country’s mineral resources. It will strictly establish and implement No Go Zones for mining, involve a multi-sectoral committee in decision-making, and a rights-based approach to development.

“We need the support of local governments like Romblon to strengthen the cry against large-scale mining. Let’s work together to preserve our resources,” she added.

Firmalo on January 10, has issued an executive order declaring an indefinite mining moratorium in the province.

It has been reported that Ivanhoe Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Canada-based Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. has applied for permit to explore 15, 000 hectares of land spanning several towns in Tablas Island.

Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) also declared his group’s support to the indigenous people, saying, “These people know that they will not benefit from mining, and their lives will be further put at stake when mining starts and their islands are in a greater disaster risk, and it is just right that they are fighting for their land.”

“We stand together with them in calling the national government and President Aquino, to stop letting these companies dig up our natural resources and leave the islands half bare with people to suffer the consequences,” Garganera further said.

The nine municipalities in Tablas Island have earlier approved resolutions opposing any exploration, development and utilization of minerals on the island.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Sorsogon environmentalists light candles for slain activist

Anti-mining advocates in Sorsogon lighted candles as they sought justice for slain activist Dr. Gerry Ortega.

Hundreds of people gathered in a symposium on Mining and Climate Change in Sorsogon City lighted their own candles in solidarity with thousand others in Palawan and Metro Manila who prayed and held vigil for the slain environmentalist.

Fr. Alexander Jerus, Matnog parish priest and chairman of the Coalition Against Mining (CAMPS) in the Province of Sorsogon led the people in praying for enlightenment and environmental justice.

"Let these candles enlighten our dark minds and souls to understand our role as stewards of creation and maintain ecological balance; let the light of justice shine upon those who were persecuted and oppressed for the sake of defending the integrity of creation and dignity of persons," he said.

Sorsogon is also at the forefront of an ongoing crusade against mining in the province.

For Jerus mining in Sorsogon is generally "a moral and spiritual issue for it destroys the relationship of persons with each other, with the environment and with God; it further degrades the dignity of persons through the evils of greed and deception."

Many of those who participated in the symposium organized by Alyansa Tigil Mina expressed grief on the untimely death of Ortega even as they salute his commitment in protecting the environment.

Bryan Gavanzo, Matnog municipal tourism officer and public information officer of CAMPS said Ortega’s crusade for ecological preservation serves as an inspiration for all of them.

He pointed out that mining, both large and small scale may "destroy tourism potentials and fuel the effect of climate change disasters in the upland and coastal communities."

Food security is also at risk if mining will be allowed in the province, according to Teodoro Garbin, president of Matnog Sagip Kalikasan Organization (MSKO) and Matnog Environmental Protection and Waste Management officer.

Intensified agriculture and aquaculture is a top priority program of the municipality, Garbin said, adding that “climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction management are being implemented in the province of Sorsogon.”

Meanwhile, Sorsogon provincial board member Vladimir Ramon Frivaldo disclosed that roughly “35%-40% of Sorsogon's mountains and coastal areas are being opened up for extractions of iron, magnetite, manganese, gold, copper and titanium.”

"I am surprised that our lands are already mapped to be sold without the knowledge of our constituents,” he said.

He called on the provincial government to protect the environment and uphold the rights of the people.

“I challenge the provincial board and Governor Raul Lee to defend our people and serve within the mandates of the Local Government Code to enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology and the Philippine Constitution to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature," he said.

The groups who participated in the symposium and prayer service were the Coalition Against Mining in the Province of Sorsogon (CAMPS), Matnog Environmental Advocates Organization (MEAO), Matnog Sagip Kalikasan Organization (MKSO) and United Matnoganons International (UMI).