Sunday, March 11, 2012
‘Philippine Mining Act cannot be saved by executive order’ – environmentalists
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/03/09/%E2%80%98philippine-mining-act-cannot-be-saved-by-an-executive-order%E2%80%99-%E2%80%93-environmentalists
‘Philippine Mining Act cannot be saved by executive order’ – environmentalists
Published on March 9, 2012
Even if Aquino manages to get a bigger share in the mining firms’ declared profits, it would be nothing compared to the mining firms’ profits and worth of ‘plundered’ wealth.
By MARYA SALAMAT
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – A growing number of local ordinances are coming out in the Philippines declaring their specific areas of jurisdiction as mining-free zones, and specifically banning open pit mining. “It can only mean that at the local level, people are rejecting mining,” said Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat from the lone district of Ifugao in a forum at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in Intramuros, Manila early this week.
Indeed, from Cordillera in the North down to Palawan, Bicol and Negros in the Visayas and Caraga in Mindanao, communities and indigenous peoples have been banding together into anti-mining alliances, with some supported by the Church, and successfully convincing or pressuring their mayors, councilors, governors and representatives to ban the operation of destructive mining in their areas.
This, on top of the natural wealth and beauty of the Philippines, is a great piece of good news, said Sr. Stella Matutina of Panalipdan from Mindanao at the recent 3rd Peoples’ Mining Conference late last week.
The bad news, she hastily added in Filipino, is that “massive destruction of our beautiful environment is happening because of greed for profits by a few.” That greed, based on reports of anti-mining activists in the same conference and elsewhere, is being nurtured and advanced by the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 is widely blamed for having opened wide the country’s mineral and non-mineral wealth to as much as 100-percent foreign exploitation. “This law has opened the floodgates to widespread plunder of our natural wealth, unprecedented environmental degradation and worsening human rights violations,” said Renato Reyes Jr., secretary-general of multi-sectoral alliance Bayan.
As such, many groups greeted the 17th year of Philippine Mining Act with protests and calls for its repeal. Even an impending executive order from Malacañang promising to address complaints about mining, but still hinged on the Mining Act of 1995, did not escape the fury of the protesters.
Last Saturday, on the 17th anniversary of the derided Mining Act, some 600 protesters from various regions, indigenous groups and various sectors criticized President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino’s policy on mining as “subservient to foreign interests.” In Mendiola near Malacañang they burned an effigy of a foreign puppeteer controlling a marionette, which happens to be the Philippine president astride a backhoe.
Aquino merely interested in revenue-sharing
Lip service, barefaced lies, or “greenwashing,” is how the leaders of local communities dislocated and disadvantaged by mining frequently describe the claims made by mining industry bigwigs and the Aquino government.
Bayan suspects that “From all indications, the Aquino government has acceded to the demands of the big foreign mining firms and is now merely concerned about making this acceptable to the opposition groups.
The Mining Act today faces unprecedented opposition from a broad cross-section of society, including inside and outside parliament, indigenous communities, schools, church groups, environmental groups and armed rebels in the countryside. There is a growing clamor to stop destructive large-scale foreign mining in so many provinces and regions nationwide, noted Bayan.
To counter these clamors, the government and the mining firms use billions of peso worth of “greenwashing or PR gimmicky” or multimedia lies, and “state-sponsored terrorism of military forces” in areas covered by mining, according to the Kalikasan-PNE.
Bautista of Kalikasan-PNE said that “at least 40 human rights violations since 2001, of which 37 are politically-motivated killings, two are frustrated murders and one is a case of enforced disappearance,” have been attributed to struggles against mining.
“The promise of ‘economic and social development’ by mining companies is just lip service. The lopsided mining policies have significantly contributed to the degradation of ‘host communities,’ which companies see only as repositories of minerals–not as homes to families and individuals,” said Kakai Tolentino, Dumagat Spokesperson of KATRIBU Partylist.
“When they destroy what’s underneath, where would they relocate those who live above it?” asked Sr. Stella Matutina. She shared how in some places in the Caraga region, for example, the people have to evacuate every six months due to the simultaneous entry of mining firms and the military. More than 42-percent of Caraga’s lands are covered by mining permits and applications, excluding areas approved for coal mining, said Sr. Stella.
In Rapu-rapu in Bicol, almost the entire island is targeted for mining, with some villages already leveled down by mining. As much as 70-percent of Cagayan Valley coastlines are being dredged or up for dredging for magnetite mining, said Santos Mero, member of the Ibaloi tribe and Cordillera Peoples’ Alliance. He said that almost the entire area of the Cordillera region is covered by mining permits or applications.
Yet, mining has contributed only slightly to the national economy. Based on a study on transparency issues in Philippine mining, it contributed only 0.91-percent to GDP from 2001-2009, and a mere 0.376-percent average share of total employment from 1990-2004.
Seventeen years of Mining Act have given a total of more than a million hectares of Philippine lands to foreign mining corporations’ control. The law gives each of them as vast as 81,000 hectares for a period of 25 to 50 years, with little in return except for a 2-percent excise tax. But critics said this is offset by other tax exemptions such as the eight to 10 years tax holidays.
Worse, the Bureau of Internal Revenue is probably collecting less excise tax than the actual collectible, observed Maita Gomez who researched on Philippine Mining Industry’s transparency issues. Gomez said the Philippines exported more minerals than the mining companies have reportedly produced, suggesting that they may have under-declared their production. “No wonder the mining firms are very happy operating here,” she said.
It is this glaring inequity in sharing that the Aquino government is reportedly seeking to address in a new mining Executive Order, only the Chamber of Mines is opposed to it. But even if Aquino was to have his way in carving out a slightly bigger share from the mining firms’ declared profits, that is just “a drop in the bucket compared to the billions of profits and worth of mined wealth carted out of the country each year,” said Gabriela Women’s Partylist Luzviminda Ilagan.
As it stands, mining is an extractive industry that does not develop the economy, said Bayan. They charged that the foreign mining firms and their local counterparts are apparently merely interested in exporting the country’s resources, which has grown at a rate of 27.96 percent from 2005-2010.
The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 is beyond saving or revision, according to the environment defenders. What is needed is mining moratorium, they said, and “this must stand until we are able to put in place a pro-people, pro-environment mining law,” said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of an environmentalists’ coalition called Kalikasan PNE.
In Congress the progressive partylist bloc has a pending proposed bill seeking to allow mining only when an industrialization program calls for it, and if the affected community truly gave their consent.
What ails the Philippine mining sector?
For municipalities and provinces concerned for their environment and people, the local government officials can invoke their powers and
rights to protect their communities.
The national mining law which seeks advantages for the national government seems to be viewed by some as disadvantageous to their communities as evidenced by their anti-mining measures.
Here's a copy-paste of an article that mentions the points above:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/09/13/11/what-ails-philippine-mining-sector
What ails the Philippine mining sector?
The national mining law which seeks advantages for the national government seems to be viewed by some as disadvantageous to their communities as evidenced by their anti-mining measures.
Here's a copy-paste of an article that mentions the points above:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/09/13/11/what-ails-philippine-mining-sector
What ails the Philippine mining sector?
Posted at 09/14/2011 2:40 AM | Updated as of 09/14/2011 9:48 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Mining investments in the Philippines
this year are forecast to hit $2.8 billion, double initial forecasts of
$1.4 billion, and the highest annual figure since 2005 when the sector
was opened fully to foreigners.
The Southeast Asian country, which sits on an estimated $1 trillion worth of mineral resources, wants to attract more mining investors and take advantage of higher global metal prices to create jobs and stimulate the domestic economy.
Investment policy flip-flops and a strong anti-mining lobby, however, have slowed development and the chances of boosting investments in the sector.
What is the government's stand on mining?
Investment of $560 million in Aquino's first six months in office last year was in existing projects.
But hopes for new operations have grown after the Environment department completed in July an eight-month "cleansing" process aimed at getting rid of mining speculators.
The proliferation of mining speculators, or those given permits but have not started any projects, has discouraged serious investors and the development of the country's mining industry.
The government's use-it-or-lose-it policy has resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of permits for non-moving projects and the opening of about 5 million hectares of potentially mineralised areas across the archipelago to new investors.
The government is also seeking a review of fiscal incentives in the Mining Act to get more revenues to plug a huge budget gap.
But the 2010/2011 Fraser Institute annual survey of mining companies showed the Philippines was among the least attractive mining territories in the world, although it improved its ranking to 66th out of 79, from 70th out of 72 in the previous survey.
The index measures overall policy attractiveness based on taxation, infrastructure, political stability, labour issues, security and environmental regulations.
What is the status of the country's biggest mining project?
The $5.9 billion Tampakan copper-gold project of Xstrata Plc in the southern province of South Cotabato -- Southeast Asia's largest undeveloped copper-gold prospect -- is under threat from an open-pit mining ban imposed by the local government.
Sagittarius Mines Inc, Xstrata's Philippine unit, has sought a review
of the ban, saying open pit mining was the safest and most economic
extraction method.
Sagittarius has presented an environmental impact statement (EIS) on the mine via a series of public consultations, set to end this month, one of the requirements before a review of the local code starts.
Are other provinces adopting anti-mining measures?
Environmental concerns were also cited for similar bans and mining moratorium in other provinces.
Industry group the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines has said local government bans on mining have also been issued in the central provinces of Capiz, Bohol, Samar, Romblon, and Mindoro and the southern province of North Cotabato.
Anti-mining groups cite local opposition borne out of past accidents.
In 2005, heavy rains and a lack of safeguards triggered a cyanide spill at the poly metallic mine operated by Australian miner Lafayette in the central Philippines -- the first foreign-owned mine in the country after the Mining Act was enacted. The mine was closed after the accident and efforts to restart work failed due to a lack of funding.
Another often-cited accident was the 1996 tailings spill at Marcopper Mining Corp's copper mine in central Marinduque province, in which at least 1.5 million cubic metres of mine tailings flowed into surrounding rivers following flash floods, contaminating the river system and causing illnesses in the communities around the mine up to today.
What problems do miners face?
A strong opponent in the majority Christian country is the Catholic Church, which has come out against mining projects such as the proposed Tampakan mine, citing local concerns.
Tax and security issues are also among investors' major concerns. Environment Secretary Ramon Paje has proposed a 5% royalty fee from miners on top of the existing 2% excise tax, a proposal shot down by the industry.
Existing investors also complain that local governments impose unregulated taxes on mining. Local government units are given the power to levy taxes, fees or charges on businesses in their areas under the local code.
Miners must also deal with communist rebels demanding revolutionary taxes and compensation for communities hosting mining projects, and miners are harassed if they fail to pay up.
One result of large players shunning the country is that small-scale gold mining accounts for two-fifths to nearly half of annual total mining output by value, becoming a major employer as a result.
The Southeast Asian country, which sits on an estimated $1 trillion worth of mineral resources, wants to attract more mining investors and take advantage of higher global metal prices to create jobs and stimulate the domestic economy.
Investment policy flip-flops and a strong anti-mining lobby, however, have slowed development and the chances of boosting investments in the sector.
What is the government's stand on mining?
Investment of $560 million in Aquino's first six months in office last year was in existing projects.
But hopes for new operations have grown after the Environment department completed in July an eight-month "cleansing" process aimed at getting rid of mining speculators.
The proliferation of mining speculators, or those given permits but have not started any projects, has discouraged serious investors and the development of the country's mining industry.
The government's use-it-or-lose-it policy has resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of permits for non-moving projects and the opening of about 5 million hectares of potentially mineralised areas across the archipelago to new investors.
The government is also seeking a review of fiscal incentives in the Mining Act to get more revenues to plug a huge budget gap.
But the 2010/2011 Fraser Institute annual survey of mining companies showed the Philippines was among the least attractive mining territories in the world, although it improved its ranking to 66th out of 79, from 70th out of 72 in the previous survey.
The index measures overall policy attractiveness based on taxation, infrastructure, political stability, labour issues, security and environmental regulations.
What is the status of the country's biggest mining project?
The $5.9 billion Tampakan copper-gold project of Xstrata Plc in the southern province of South Cotabato -- Southeast Asia's largest undeveloped copper-gold prospect -- is under threat from an open-pit mining ban imposed by the local government.
The justice, environment, and local government departments agree the
mining ban and other anti-mining measures imposed by local governments
run counter to the national mining law.
However, local government officials have invoked their powers and
rights to protect their communities, causing an impasse on how to
proceed with mining projects.
Sagittarius has presented an environmental impact statement (EIS) on the mine via a series of public consultations, set to end this month, one of the requirements before a review of the local code starts.
Are other provinces adopting anti-mining measures?
Environmental concerns were also cited for similar bans and mining moratorium in other provinces.
Industry group the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines has said local government bans on mining have also been issued in the central provinces of Capiz, Bohol, Samar, Romblon, and Mindoro and the southern province of North Cotabato.
Anti-mining groups cite local opposition borne out of past accidents.
In 2005, heavy rains and a lack of safeguards triggered a cyanide spill at the poly metallic mine operated by Australian miner Lafayette in the central Philippines -- the first foreign-owned mine in the country after the Mining Act was enacted. The mine was closed after the accident and efforts to restart work failed due to a lack of funding.
Another often-cited accident was the 1996 tailings spill at Marcopper Mining Corp's copper mine in central Marinduque province, in which at least 1.5 million cubic metres of mine tailings flowed into surrounding rivers following flash floods, contaminating the river system and causing illnesses in the communities around the mine up to today.
What problems do miners face?
A strong opponent in the majority Christian country is the Catholic Church, which has come out against mining projects such as the proposed Tampakan mine, citing local concerns.
Tax and security issues are also among investors' major concerns. Environment Secretary Ramon Paje has proposed a 5% royalty fee from miners on top of the existing 2% excise tax, a proposal shot down by the industry.
Existing investors also complain that local governments impose unregulated taxes on mining. Local government units are given the power to levy taxes, fees or charges on businesses in their areas under the local code.
Miners must also deal with communist rebels demanding revolutionary taxes and compensation for communities hosting mining projects, and miners are harassed if they fail to pay up.
One result of large players shunning the country is that small-scale gold mining accounts for two-fifths to nearly half of annual total mining output by value, becoming a major employer as a result.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
IPs wary over new mining policy
Do we have to be wary over new mining policy? Here's a copy-paste of an article that would make you think about it:
http://www.nordis.net/?p=11732
www.nordis.net
QUEZON CITY—Indigenous peoples’ organization Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP) criticized President Bengino Aquino’s actions in a meeting of foreign chambers of commerce last Thursday.
“Aquino acted like a kid amongst bullies in a schoolyard,” Piya Macliing Malayao, KAMP spokesperson said. “But instead of lunch money, he gave away national economy and patrimony without a fight.”
Aquino promised investors of a new mining policy to be drawn up in mid-February after complaints of ‘inconsistencies’ in the country’s mining policies. Aquino said the new mining policy will be ‘clear-cut’ in response to investors’ unfavorable comments on the extractive industry.
“Aquino was quick to assure investors that their interests are secure, notwithstanding the growing opposition against destructive, large-scale mining in the country,” Malayao said. “It shows Aquino has no real interest in the protection of people’s rights and the environment.”
Investors are ‘confused’ over the Philippines’ current mining policy, according to Julian Payne, President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Canadian mining company, TVI Resources Ltd have mining investments in Zamboanga Peninsula, and recently battled local government unit in Zamboanga del Norte after they enacted an open-mining ban in the province.
“We could imagine an even more liberalized mining policy that will attempt to mute mining-affected people and leave local government disempowered from opposing projects they deem unbeneficial for their constituents. Apparently, resistance from affected communities, environmentalists, and local government units have been cutting mining corporations’ profits,” Malayao said.
KAMP says that the government is already very lenient with mining investors, and even an eager promoter of investments on our mineral lands. “The only thing that is preventing mining corporations of laying waste on our mineral resources is the people. We fear that the mining policy conjured up by the Aquino administration will attack the people’s assertion for their rights to land, and to national patrimony,” Malayao said.
However, KAMP says the new mining policy will not come unchallenged. “Mining has taken a beating lately, with the protests and other forms of opposition from concerned groups. We are sure that Aquino’s mining policy, as with other anti-people policies that preceded it, will be met by the resistance of the people.” Malayao ended. # nordis.net
http://www.nordis.net/?p=11732
IPs wary over new mining policy
Written By: editors on January 29, 2012
No Comment
By KAMP (PR)www.nordis.net
QUEZON CITY—Indigenous peoples’ organization Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP) criticized President Bengino Aquino’s actions in a meeting of foreign chambers of commerce last Thursday.
“Aquino acted like a kid amongst bullies in a schoolyard,” Piya Macliing Malayao, KAMP spokesperson said. “But instead of lunch money, he gave away national economy and patrimony without a fight.”
Aquino promised investors of a new mining policy to be drawn up in mid-February after complaints of ‘inconsistencies’ in the country’s mining policies. Aquino said the new mining policy will be ‘clear-cut’ in response to investors’ unfavorable comments on the extractive industry.
“Aquino was quick to assure investors that their interests are secure, notwithstanding the growing opposition against destructive, large-scale mining in the country,” Malayao said. “It shows Aquino has no real interest in the protection of people’s rights and the environment.”
Investors are ‘confused’ over the Philippines’ current mining policy, according to Julian Payne, President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Canadian mining company, TVI Resources Ltd have mining investments in Zamboanga Peninsula, and recently battled local government unit in Zamboanga del Norte after they enacted an open-mining ban in the province.
“We could imagine an even more liberalized mining policy that will attempt to mute mining-affected people and leave local government disempowered from opposing projects they deem unbeneficial for their constituents. Apparently, resistance from affected communities, environmentalists, and local government units have been cutting mining corporations’ profits,” Malayao said.
KAMP says that the government is already very lenient with mining investors, and even an eager promoter of investments on our mineral lands. “The only thing that is preventing mining corporations of laying waste on our mineral resources is the people. We fear that the mining policy conjured up by the Aquino administration will attack the people’s assertion for their rights to land, and to national patrimony,” Malayao said.
However, KAMP says the new mining policy will not come unchallenged. “Mining has taken a beating lately, with the protests and other forms of opposition from concerned groups. We are sure that Aquino’s mining policy, as with other anti-people policies that preceded it, will be met by the resistance of the people.” Malayao ended. # nordis.net
Anti-Mining Forum iti Ili a Vintar, Ilocos Norte
Another copy-paste. Students conducted an anti-mining forum.
http://www.nordis.net/?p=10809
www.nordis.net
LAOAG, ILOCOS NORTE – Maysa a forum kontra iti dadakkel ken makadadael a panagminas ti naisayangkat iti San Nicolas de Tolentino Roman Catholic Parish Church iti ili a Vintar, Ilocos Norte idi October 11, 2011.
“Ili mi a Vintar Aywanan daka,”dayta ti tema ti nasao a forum nga inorganisa ti Vintar Roman Catholic Church iti panangidaulo ni Rev. Fr. Hermogenes G. Saturnino Jr. ken School Director iti Saint Nicholas Academy of Vintar (SNA). Agarup dua gasut (200) ti nagatendar iti daytoy a forum manipud iti SNA, Pallas Integrated School, teachers ken principal dagiti dadduma pay nga eskuelaan iti Vintar, church representatives, mass media ken indibidual.
Maysa kadagiti kangrunaan a dimmar-ay iti daytoy a forum ket ni Hon. Ferdinand B. Mabanag, Vice Mayor iti Vintar kadua na dagiti walo nga Sangguniang Bayan, dagiti Sangguniang Kabataan ken representatibo dagiti nadumaduma a departamento ti gobyerno iti nasao nga ili.
Adda ti agarup innem nga aplikasyon iti panagminas iti ili a Vintar maibasar iti listaan ti Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB Region I), August 31, 2011. Iti agdama, aktibo ken napardas ti panagisayangkat ti Benguet Corporation ken National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP Ilocos Norte) iti Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) consultation kadagiti Indigenous Peoples iti Vintar ken iti amin a lugar a nasakop ti applikasyon da iti intero nga Ilocos Norte.
Nagserbi daytoy nga aktibidad a karit para kadagiti estudyante ken kabataan a timmabuno tapno aktibo da a makipaset iti panangipakaammo iti nalawlawa nga umili ken amin a sector iti ili da kadagiti gandat a panagminas iti ili a Vintar ken dadduma pay a luglugar iti Ilocos Norte. Kas nakuna ti guest speaker da manipud iti STOP Exploitation a dagiti naadal ken naamuan da manipud iti daytoy a forum ket isu iti balon dagiti estudyante ken kabataan tapno ipakaawat iti umili dagiti makadadael ken nakaru nga epekto ti panagminas iti komunidad ken aglawlaw ken agserbi met laeng daytoy a forum a pagadalan ken karit kadagiti amin nga upisyal iti Vintar tapno agaramid da iti resolusyon, petisyon ken saan da a palubusan dagitoy a gandat dagiti kumpanya ti panagminas.
Kinuna ni Rev. Fr. Hermogenes G. Saturnino Jr a kasapulan nga imula iti panunot dagiti narway nga umili nangruna kadagiti agtutubo iti negatibo nga epekto ti panagminas ken tapno maisagana da ti masakbayan da. “Naisayangkat daytoy a forum a mariing kadagiti agtutubo mainaig iti amin nga isyu iti pagilian kangrunaan iti isyu ti ekolohiya ken kasapulan iti aktibo a pannakipaset da kadagitoy nga aktibidad,” ni Father Saturnino.
Sakbay na nairekep ti programa, pinasengkedan dagiti agtutubo ken estudyante ti tema daytoy a forum babaen ti panangipukkaw da ti “Ili mi a Vintar Aywayan daka!” # nordis.net
http://www.nordis.net/?p=10809
Anti-Mining Forum iti Ili a Vintar, Ilocos Norte
Written By: editors on October 16, 2011
No Comment
By DONNA RABANG PETAwww.nordis.net
LAOAG, ILOCOS NORTE – Maysa a forum kontra iti dadakkel ken makadadael a panagminas ti naisayangkat iti San Nicolas de Tolentino Roman Catholic Parish Church iti ili a Vintar, Ilocos Norte idi October 11, 2011.
“Ili mi a Vintar Aywanan daka,”dayta ti tema ti nasao a forum nga inorganisa ti Vintar Roman Catholic Church iti panangidaulo ni Rev. Fr. Hermogenes G. Saturnino Jr. ken School Director iti Saint Nicholas Academy of Vintar (SNA). Agarup dua gasut (200) ti nagatendar iti daytoy a forum manipud iti SNA, Pallas Integrated School, teachers ken principal dagiti dadduma pay nga eskuelaan iti Vintar, church representatives, mass media ken indibidual.
Maysa kadagiti kangrunaan a dimmar-ay iti daytoy a forum ket ni Hon. Ferdinand B. Mabanag, Vice Mayor iti Vintar kadua na dagiti walo nga Sangguniang Bayan, dagiti Sangguniang Kabataan ken representatibo dagiti nadumaduma a departamento ti gobyerno iti nasao nga ili.
Adda ti agarup innem nga aplikasyon iti panagminas iti ili a Vintar maibasar iti listaan ti Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB Region I), August 31, 2011. Iti agdama, aktibo ken napardas ti panagisayangkat ti Benguet Corporation ken National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP Ilocos Norte) iti Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) consultation kadagiti Indigenous Peoples iti Vintar ken iti amin a lugar a nasakop ti applikasyon da iti intero nga Ilocos Norte.
Nagserbi daytoy nga aktibidad a karit para kadagiti estudyante ken kabataan a timmabuno tapno aktibo da a makipaset iti panangipakaammo iti nalawlawa nga umili ken amin a sector iti ili da kadagiti gandat a panagminas iti ili a Vintar ken dadduma pay a luglugar iti Ilocos Norte. Kas nakuna ti guest speaker da manipud iti STOP Exploitation a dagiti naadal ken naamuan da manipud iti daytoy a forum ket isu iti balon dagiti estudyante ken kabataan tapno ipakaawat iti umili dagiti makadadael ken nakaru nga epekto ti panagminas iti komunidad ken aglawlaw ken agserbi met laeng daytoy a forum a pagadalan ken karit kadagiti amin nga upisyal iti Vintar tapno agaramid da iti resolusyon, petisyon ken saan da a palubusan dagitoy a gandat dagiti kumpanya ti panagminas.
Kinuna ni Rev. Fr. Hermogenes G. Saturnino Jr a kasapulan nga imula iti panunot dagiti narway nga umili nangruna kadagiti agtutubo iti negatibo nga epekto ti panagminas ken tapno maisagana da ti masakbayan da. “Naisayangkat daytoy a forum a mariing kadagiti agtutubo mainaig iti amin nga isyu iti pagilian kangrunaan iti isyu ti ekolohiya ken kasapulan iti aktibo a pannakipaset da kadagitoy nga aktibidad,” ni Father Saturnino.
Sakbay na nairekep ti programa, pinasengkedan dagiti agtutubo ken estudyante ti tema daytoy a forum babaen ti panangipukkaw da ti “Ili mi a Vintar Aywayan daka!” # nordis.net
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Villages Vunerable to Landslides in Vintar, Ilocos Norte
I saw an article regarding villages vunerable to landslides in Ilocos Norte. Here's the copy-paste of the article:
http://piaregion1.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/feature-report-avoid-a-repeat-of-sendong-denr-alerts-ilocos-norte-residents-in-landslide-flood-prone-areas/
Residents whose areas are vulnerable to flooding and landslides were reminded to get their information kits on disaster preparedness from their local leaders to avoid a repeat of what happened to the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao.
Juan de los Reyes, from the provincial environment and natural resources office, said local government units that have been identified as flood and landslide-prone were listed under a geo-hazard map that was previously distributed to village officials.
“The geo-hazard map does not only provide a list of towns susceptible to flooding and landslides. It also includes useful tips on disaster-preparedness and important contact names and numbers of authorities that people could ask for help,” de los Reyes said during the Philippine Information Agency-Laoag’s radio forum, “PIA Hour.”
Towns susceptible to flooding, according to the DENR list are the following: parts of Laoag, Piddig, Solsona, Dingras, Marcos, and Bangui. It is not clear whether the list missed to identify towns that have been historically flooded every typhoon season like Paoay and some parts of Batac.
Those listed as vulnerable to landslides are: the villages of Nagrebcan, Labutar,Arusip and Madupayas in Badoc; Banban, Payac, San isidro and Manayon in Bangui; Aggasi, Saguigui, Tarrag, Ligaya, Dampig, Liliputen, Dagupan, Alsem, Cabangaran, and Cabayo in Pagudpud and Canaam, Salsalamagui, and Ester in Vintar.
De los Reyes said disaster-preparedness is being up to the challenge. But the long-term solution to protecting residents against environmental disaster is the replenishment of depleting forest covers.
“The National Greening Program will revive our forests and mountains which have been destroyed due to illegal logging and wanton disregard of the environment,” he said.
For Ilocos Norte, at least 1,350 hectares have been planted to trees in 2011 in the towns of Banna, Batac, Badoc, Pinili, and Marcos while 2,700 hectares more will be planted this year.
The DENR has made Nueva Era, Vintar, Dingras, Marcos, Pagudpud, and Pasuquin as priority areas for planting trees. Those regularly supporting the program are 20 peoples’ organizations, private associations, and government employees who are required to plant 10 trees for each employee every year.
The NGP was made a policy under Executive Order 26 that President Aquino signed on February 24, 2011.
EO 26 mandates the NGP to be a government priority program leading to reduced poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation.
It supports and complements EO No. 23, which bans logging in natural and residual forests, as well as Proclamation No. 125, declaring 2011 as the National Year of Forests in the Philippines.
Under the NGP, at least 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares should have been planted in six years from 2011 to 2016.
The plantation target is more than twice the government’s accomplishment for the past 25 years, of about 730,000 hectares, according to the Official Gazette website of the Office of the President.
Areas for planting include forest lands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reservations, urban areas under the greening plan of LGUs, inactive and abandoned mine sites, and other suitable lands of the public domain. (ANL/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)
http://piaregion1.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/feature-report-avoid-a-repeat-of-sendong-denr-alerts-ilocos-norte-residents-in-landslide-flood-prone-areas/
Feature report: Avoid a repeat of Sendong: DENR alerts Ilocos Norte residents in landslide, flood-prone areas
by Cristina ArzadonResidents whose areas are vulnerable to flooding and landslides were reminded to get their information kits on disaster preparedness from their local leaders to avoid a repeat of what happened to the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao.
Juan de los Reyes, from the provincial environment and natural resources office, said local government units that have been identified as flood and landslide-prone were listed under a geo-hazard map that was previously distributed to village officials.
“The geo-hazard map does not only provide a list of towns susceptible to flooding and landslides. It also includes useful tips on disaster-preparedness and important contact names and numbers of authorities that people could ask for help,” de los Reyes said during the Philippine Information Agency-Laoag’s radio forum, “PIA Hour.”
Towns susceptible to flooding, according to the DENR list are the following: parts of Laoag, Piddig, Solsona, Dingras, Marcos, and Bangui. It is not clear whether the list missed to identify towns that have been historically flooded every typhoon season like Paoay and some parts of Batac.
Those listed as vulnerable to landslides are: the villages of Nagrebcan, Labutar,Arusip and Madupayas in Badoc; Banban, Payac, San isidro and Manayon in Bangui; Aggasi, Saguigui, Tarrag, Ligaya, Dampig, Liliputen, Dagupan, Alsem, Cabangaran, and Cabayo in Pagudpud and Canaam, Salsalamagui, and Ester in Vintar.
De los Reyes said disaster-preparedness is being up to the challenge. But the long-term solution to protecting residents against environmental disaster is the replenishment of depleting forest covers.
“The National Greening Program will revive our forests and mountains which have been destroyed due to illegal logging and wanton disregard of the environment,” he said.
For Ilocos Norte, at least 1,350 hectares have been planted to trees in 2011 in the towns of Banna, Batac, Badoc, Pinili, and Marcos while 2,700 hectares more will be planted this year.
The DENR has made Nueva Era, Vintar, Dingras, Marcos, Pagudpud, and Pasuquin as priority areas for planting trees. Those regularly supporting the program are 20 peoples’ organizations, private associations, and government employees who are required to plant 10 trees for each employee every year.
The NGP was made a policy under Executive Order 26 that President Aquino signed on February 24, 2011.
EO 26 mandates the NGP to be a government priority program leading to reduced poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation.
It supports and complements EO No. 23, which bans logging in natural and residual forests, as well as Proclamation No. 125, declaring 2011 as the National Year of Forests in the Philippines.
Under the NGP, at least 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares should have been planted in six years from 2011 to 2016.
The plantation target is more than twice the government’s accomplishment for the past 25 years, of about 730,000 hectares, according to the Official Gazette website of the Office of the President.
Areas for planting include forest lands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reservations, urban areas under the greening plan of LGUs, inactive and abandoned mine sites, and other suitable lands of the public domain. (ANL/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)
Region I Geologic Information
To get an idea of Region I geologic information, here's a partial copy-paste text and image links from DVAsia website:
http://dvasia.ph/gis.php?region=Region%20I#
http://dvasia.ph/gis.php?region=Region%20I#
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
| Q: Where did you get your data? | A: The tenements, mineral prospects and geologic information are digitized from different maps from MGB.The restricted areas KML file is from PAWB. The ancestral domain areas data was digitized from NCIP map. |
| ... | |
Overview
Mineral Prospects
Geology
Ancestral Domains
Protected Areas
Geology: What's in Region I
I found an article from the result of Google search on keywords "Vintar-Aggao Fault". As usual, here's the copy-paste:
http://dvasia.ph/viewgeology.php?region=Region%20I
http://dvasia.ph/viewgeology.php?region=Region%20I
Geology of the Region: Region I
Geohazard Investigation Conducted in Vintar, Ilocos Norte
Another copy-paste article which might be of interest to some fellow Vintarinians.
http://www.denr-mgb1.org/content/geohazard-investigation-conducted-vintar-ilocos-norte
http://www.denr-mgb1.org/content/geohazard-investigation-conducted-vintar-ilocos-norte
Geohazard Investigation Conducted in Vintar, Ilocos Norte
Sitio Gubang in Brgyy. Canaam, Vintar, Ilocos Norte lies at the
foot of a big mountain. This is where the Imalawa Tribe consist of
thirty six (36) families reside. People in this area are engaged in
farming, hunting and small scale business like buy and sell of grocery
items, among others for their livelihood.
The recent occurrence of landslide and other natural calamities that affected our country had cautioned the tribal community of the potential geohazards that might affect their area in the future. The residents had become more aware on the bio-physical changes of their area like the presence of cracks, soil movement and depressions. Because of these, they alleged that there is an impending landslide or other natural hazard that may occur in the area.
With his concern for safety and welfare of his constituents, Mr. Bert Agbayani, the tribal leader of the Imalawa Tribe requested from authorities for a relocation of their residence to a more safe and stable area. A proposed relocation area was identified in a portion of the lot granted to Ms. Lita Agbayani through the Integrated Social Forestry Program (ISFP) of the government
To give merit to the petition of the Imalawa tribe and to provide technical basis for the DENR in granting the request, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region 1 conducted a geological/geohazard assessment in Sitio Gubang, Brgy. Canaam, Vintar, Ilocos Norte. The activity aims to determine whether or not the resident’s area as alleged is prone to natural hazards and/or other calamities. The result of the activity will provide basis in granting the request of the Imalawa tribe to settle in the CSC covered area and build a new community for themselves.
Geologist from MGB-1 reported that there are indications of natural hazards like the presence of cracks, depressions and slumps. The subject area showed an initial ground movement to some degree as indicated by the observed subsidence, slumps, terracettes and tension fractures that imply a moderate to high landslide susceptibility of the area. These movement indicators are believed to have been caused by or are relative to the previously identified regional geologic structures adjacent in the area like the Vintar-Aggao Fault and Nagsakalan Fault.. According to the Geologist, these ground movements presently observed will eventually progress due to the different forces of nature that may aggravate and result in devastation. Once these landslide phenomenon takes place and worsens especially during heavy rains, onslaught of debris materials will accumulate towards the downstream portion of the Kalangokong River, thus threatening the lives of the residents of Sitio Gubang, their properties and farmlands according to the Geologist.
The Geologist recommended that the request for relocation of the residents of Sitio Gubang from Sitio Gubang to Sitio Check Point and the members of the Imalawa Tribe be considered and granted thereby ensuring their safety and that of their properties and giving them peace of mind. RSP
The recent occurrence of landslide and other natural calamities that affected our country had cautioned the tribal community of the potential geohazards that might affect their area in the future. The residents had become more aware on the bio-physical changes of their area like the presence of cracks, soil movement and depressions. Because of these, they alleged that there is an impending landslide or other natural hazard that may occur in the area.
With his concern for safety and welfare of his constituents, Mr. Bert Agbayani, the tribal leader of the Imalawa Tribe requested from authorities for a relocation of their residence to a more safe and stable area. A proposed relocation area was identified in a portion of the lot granted to Ms. Lita Agbayani through the Integrated Social Forestry Program (ISFP) of the government
To give merit to the petition of the Imalawa tribe and to provide technical basis for the DENR in granting the request, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region 1 conducted a geological/geohazard assessment in Sitio Gubang, Brgy. Canaam, Vintar, Ilocos Norte. The activity aims to determine whether or not the resident’s area as alleged is prone to natural hazards and/or other calamities. The result of the activity will provide basis in granting the request of the Imalawa tribe to settle in the CSC covered area and build a new community for themselves.
Geologist from MGB-1 reported that there are indications of natural hazards like the presence of cracks, depressions and slumps. The subject area showed an initial ground movement to some degree as indicated by the observed subsidence, slumps, terracettes and tension fractures that imply a moderate to high landslide susceptibility of the area. These movement indicators are believed to have been caused by or are relative to the previously identified regional geologic structures adjacent in the area like the Vintar-Aggao Fault and Nagsakalan Fault.. According to the Geologist, these ground movements presently observed will eventually progress due to the different forces of nature that may aggravate and result in devastation. Once these landslide phenomenon takes place and worsens especially during heavy rains, onslaught of debris materials will accumulate towards the downstream portion of the Kalangokong River, thus threatening the lives of the residents of Sitio Gubang, their properties and farmlands according to the Geologist.
The Geologist recommended that the request for relocation of the residents of Sitio Gubang from Sitio Gubang to Sitio Check Point and the members of the Imalawa Tribe be considered and granted thereby ensuring their safety and that of their properties and giving them peace of mind. RSP
Proposed consolidated alternative mining bill
Here's another copy-paste. I liked this part, “show me a town here that reaped benefits from mining and I’ll tell you
that town does not exist.”
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/01/29/multisectoral-council-not-denr-should-decide-to-allow-or-not-allow-mining-2/
Multisectoral Council, not DENR , should decide to allow or not allow mining
Gabriela partylist Rep. Luz Ilagan told the International Conference on Mining in Mindanao last Friday that the MSMC will be composed of representatives from state and local governments, local communities, affected Indigenous Peoples.”
As member of the MMSC, the Lumads or Indigenous Peoples will be part of the process of decision making from approving the application of mining forms to monitoring and revoking the permit if the mining firms have committed violations. “Their non-consent to the mining project acts as virtual disapproval since unanimity of the MSMC is required,” Ilagan said at the conference held for two days at the Ateneo de Davao University.
At the end of the conference organized by ADDU and the 1,345-member Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines, participants passed a Mindanao Declaration calling for a repeal of RA 7942 or the 1995 Mining Act, the enactment of a pro-Filipino, pro-environment alternative mining law and the declaration of a mining moratorium.
Ilagan noted that RA 7942 or the 1995 Mining Act has caused divisiveness within IP communities, as well as bred questionable FPICs (Free and Prior Informed Consent), destroyed the IP’s customary ways of settling disputes, is based on the regalian doctrine and “imposes the will of the mining companies over tribes.”
The MMSC is just one of several features of the consolidated mining bill.
The consolidated bill is crafted from three House Bills — 4315 authored by Ilagan and other partylist representatives Teddy Casino, Neri Colmenares, Rafael Mariano, Emmi de Jesus, Raymond Palatino and Antonio Tinio, seeking to reorient the Philippine mining industry, ensuring the highest industry development standards; 3763 authored by party-list representatives Kaka Bag-ao, Walden Bello, Teddy Brawenr Baguilat, Jr., and Rufus Rodriguez, seeking to regulate the rational exploration, development and utilization of mineral resources, and to ensure the equitable sharing of benefits for the state, indigenous peoples and local communities; and HB 206, bearing the same title, authored by Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tanada III.
The consolidated bill was prepared by the Technical Working Group of the House Committee on Natural Resources from August to November 2011 and the committee hearing has been set for February 22.
Jesus Vicente Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina, told the conference this is the “farthest stage that any draft (alternative) mining bill has ever reached.”
Ilagan said that while the 1995 Mining Act provides for a “private sector-led and foreign market/investment-driven exploitation of our mineral resources,” the consolidated bill provides for a “State-led and domestic needs-driven total development of the mining industry as part of our national patrimony and as key to achieving agriculture modernization and national industrialization.”
The bill also proposes a “highly-regulated” policy environment for the mining industry “to protect our national patrimony, ensure the total development of the industry and give priority to the interests of the national economy, local government units, local communities, and indigenous peoples and protect the environment.”
She also emphasized that unlike the 1995 Mining Act which provides for a “highly-liberalized investment structure which includes unrestricted profit repatriation of foreign capital,” the bill is “biased towards Filipino investors but does not totally foreclose the participation of foreign investments.”
But foreign investors, the bill says, must pay the proper taxes and duties for the profits they get from mining.
The bill envisions the development of the mining industry “from mere exploitation and extraction to producing capital goods for agriculture modernization and for developing basic, medium and heavy local industries.”
Ilagan cited other key features of the consolidated bill that differs from the 1995 Mining Act:
* Only the State has the right to exploration. Extraction and production may be undertaken by the state or through production agreements and joint ventures with the private sector and foreign investors. But in production, the contract area per agreement shall not exceed 500 hectares. The total contract area shall not exceed 700 hectares
* The term of the agreement is limited to the mine life and subsequent renewal should not exceed 15 year, unlike the 1995 Mining Act where “the scale of exploration and extraction is decided by the investors based on their submitted financial and technical capabilities.
* The principle of “mining with the least and mitigated effect on the environment” should be followed and mining firms, foreign or local, are stamped with the responsibility to minimize the negative impact of mining, including conservation and rehabilitation of mined localities and downstream areas.
* Rigorous screening of applicant-mining firms.
* Obligatory proactive and preventive measures to ensure minimizing the negative impact of mining through the integration of environmental conservation and rehabilitation in the operational plan of the mining firms and strict monitoring of environmental compliance.
* Safety nets; Creation of trust fund and the application of bonds to rehabilitation and disaster response.
* Prohibits invasive exploration; prohibits mining in watershed areas and other critical habitats; Prohibits open pit mining.
* Conforms with and enhances the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
* Ensures the participation of LGUs in the decision-making whether to allow mining or not in their area of responsibility.
* Ensures that mining firms pay the proper taxes and duties for the profits they get from mining and that the benefits are equitably shared by local communities and IPs.
* Sensitive to the issue of human rights. Thus, it expressly prohibits the use of the military and other armed components of the state as private army of mining firms.
In its transitory provisions, the bill proposes a moratorium on “all mining activities under all systems are in place for the Act’s proper implementation and deems cancelled all existing mining permits, licenses, and agreements. A review of the current mineral reservations will be pursued; current classifications and the President’s power to declare mineral reservations rendered ineffective.”
The consolidated bill also proposes that the State shall be responsible for extending aid to mine workers and small-scale miners and their families who shall be temporarily displaced by the moratorium while the new policy and mechanisms are being put in place.
Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, spokesperson of Anakbayan Partylist said, “show me a town here that reaped benefits from mining and I’ll tell you that town does not exist.”
Baraquel said the consolidated bill ensures “not just income but our future” and “puts people at the core of the mining policy.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/01/29/multisectoral-council-not-denr-should-decide-to-allow-or-not-allow-mining-2/
Multisectoral Council, not DENR , should decide to allow or not allow mining
By Carolyn O. Arguillas |
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/28 January) — A Multisectoral Mineral Council (MSMC) not just the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or its Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau should decide whether or not mining should be allowed in a particular area, the consolidated alternative mining bill proposes.Gabriela partylist Rep. Luz Ilagan told the International Conference on Mining in Mindanao last Friday that the MSMC will be composed of representatives from state and local governments, local communities, affected Indigenous Peoples.”
As member of the MMSC, the Lumads or Indigenous Peoples will be part of the process of decision making from approving the application of mining forms to monitoring and revoking the permit if the mining firms have committed violations. “Their non-consent to the mining project acts as virtual disapproval since unanimity of the MSMC is required,” Ilagan said at the conference held for two days at the Ateneo de Davao University.
At the end of the conference organized by ADDU and the 1,345-member Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines, participants passed a Mindanao Declaration calling for a repeal of RA 7942 or the 1995 Mining Act, the enactment of a pro-Filipino, pro-environment alternative mining law and the declaration of a mining moratorium.
Ilagan noted that RA 7942 or the 1995 Mining Act has caused divisiveness within IP communities, as well as bred questionable FPICs (Free and Prior Informed Consent), destroyed the IP’s customary ways of settling disputes, is based on the regalian doctrine and “imposes the will of the mining companies over tribes.”
The MMSC is just one of several features of the consolidated mining bill.
The consolidated bill is crafted from three House Bills — 4315 authored by Ilagan and other partylist representatives Teddy Casino, Neri Colmenares, Rafael Mariano, Emmi de Jesus, Raymond Palatino and Antonio Tinio, seeking to reorient the Philippine mining industry, ensuring the highest industry development standards; 3763 authored by party-list representatives Kaka Bag-ao, Walden Bello, Teddy Brawenr Baguilat, Jr., and Rufus Rodriguez, seeking to regulate the rational exploration, development and utilization of mineral resources, and to ensure the equitable sharing of benefits for the state, indigenous peoples and local communities; and HB 206, bearing the same title, authored by Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tanada III.
The consolidated bill was prepared by the Technical Working Group of the House Committee on Natural Resources from August to November 2011 and the committee hearing has been set for February 22.
Jesus Vicente Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina, told the conference this is the “farthest stage that any draft (alternative) mining bill has ever reached.”
Ilagan said that while the 1995 Mining Act provides for a “private sector-led and foreign market/investment-driven exploitation of our mineral resources,” the consolidated bill provides for a “State-led and domestic needs-driven total development of the mining industry as part of our national patrimony and as key to achieving agriculture modernization and national industrialization.”
The bill also proposes a “highly-regulated” policy environment for the mining industry “to protect our national patrimony, ensure the total development of the industry and give priority to the interests of the national economy, local government units, local communities, and indigenous peoples and protect the environment.”
She also emphasized that unlike the 1995 Mining Act which provides for a “highly-liberalized investment structure which includes unrestricted profit repatriation of foreign capital,” the bill is “biased towards Filipino investors but does not totally foreclose the participation of foreign investments.”
But foreign investors, the bill says, must pay the proper taxes and duties for the profits they get from mining.
The bill envisions the development of the mining industry “from mere exploitation and extraction to producing capital goods for agriculture modernization and for developing basic, medium and heavy local industries.”
Ilagan cited other key features of the consolidated bill that differs from the 1995 Mining Act:
* Only the State has the right to exploration. Extraction and production may be undertaken by the state or through production agreements and joint ventures with the private sector and foreign investors. But in production, the contract area per agreement shall not exceed 500 hectares. The total contract area shall not exceed 700 hectares
* The term of the agreement is limited to the mine life and subsequent renewal should not exceed 15 year, unlike the 1995 Mining Act where “the scale of exploration and extraction is decided by the investors based on their submitted financial and technical capabilities.
* The principle of “mining with the least and mitigated effect on the environment” should be followed and mining firms, foreign or local, are stamped with the responsibility to minimize the negative impact of mining, including conservation and rehabilitation of mined localities and downstream areas.
* Rigorous screening of applicant-mining firms.
* Obligatory proactive and preventive measures to ensure minimizing the negative impact of mining through the integration of environmental conservation and rehabilitation in the operational plan of the mining firms and strict monitoring of environmental compliance.
* Safety nets; Creation of trust fund and the application of bonds to rehabilitation and disaster response.
* Prohibits invasive exploration; prohibits mining in watershed areas and other critical habitats; Prohibits open pit mining.
* Conforms with and enhances the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
* Ensures the participation of LGUs in the decision-making whether to allow mining or not in their area of responsibility.
* Ensures that mining firms pay the proper taxes and duties for the profits they get from mining and that the benefits are equitably shared by local communities and IPs.
* Sensitive to the issue of human rights. Thus, it expressly prohibits the use of the military and other armed components of the state as private army of mining firms.
In its transitory provisions, the bill proposes a moratorium on “all mining activities under all systems are in place for the Act’s proper implementation and deems cancelled all existing mining permits, licenses, and agreements. A review of the current mineral reservations will be pursued; current classifications and the President’s power to declare mineral reservations rendered ineffective.”
The consolidated bill also proposes that the State shall be responsible for extending aid to mine workers and small-scale miners and their families who shall be temporarily displaced by the moratorium while the new policy and mechanisms are being put in place.
Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, spokesperson of Anakbayan Partylist said, “show me a town here that reaped benefits from mining and I’ll tell you that town does not exist.”
Baraquel said the consolidated bill ensures “not just income but our future” and “puts people at the core of the mining policy.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
The People's Voice Can Be Heard in the Mining Issue
I just found an article that raised my spirit. Well, it raised my spirit because the residents have the choice to approve or disapprove mining in their area. But my spirit also sank because here is an example wherein people from DENR did not follow the proper procedures.
I hope the provincial and municipal leadership can also take a similar stand that protects the environment and the people.
Technically, right now, MGB just wants to declare portions of Vintar, Ilocos Norte as Mining Reservation. But I think that's the first big step in the direction of allowing mining in the area. Better to stop it while it is just in the preparatory stage, right?
Since some people might be too lazy to click on the link to the source page, here is the article copy-pasted from http://www.alyansatigilmina.net/content/story/january2010/solons-lgus-hit-denr-mindoro-mining:
ATM PRESS RELEASE
Solons, LGUs Hit DENR on Mindoro Mining:
Local and National Groups Express Support to Scrapping of Nickel Project
MANILA, Philippines – A congressional inquiry into the issue-laden proposed large-scale mining in the island of Mindoro revealed several flaws in the DENR process of approving mining applications. The House Committee on Natural Resources today tackled House Resolution 1492, wherein the DENR was alleged to have committed violations in its process of issuing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to Intex Resources, owner of the Mindoro Nickel Project.
Rep. Diogenes Osabel, Governor Arnan Panaligan and Vice-Governor Ma. Felipa Estella Aceron took turns in grilling DENR officials from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) during the hearing. There was no representative from the DENR Region IV-B office.
Rep. Diogenes Osabel, main sponsor of the resolution and from the party-list ALAGAD, stated that the numerous issues raised by his partymates and members from the Mindoro provinces prompted him to be directly involved in this case. “I was made disquiet and needed to address my anxiety when our members in Mindoro, and in conferring with the LGU officials, raised these concerns to me”, he said.
Rep. Osabel took a commanding role in the committee investigation when he pressed DENR officials to answer the allegations presented by LGU officials, Church leaders, indigenous peoples, private sector groups and civil society from Mindoro.
Gov. Panaligan asserted to the committee that the DENR violated the Local Government Code by failing to conduct public consultations and was unsuccessful in obtaining consent from the LGU regarding the mining project. The LGC mandates that any development project must secure consent or approval from the LGUs thru an issuance of a Sanggunian resolution.
He also said that the DENR itself violated the Mining Act of 1995 when it failed to observe Sec. 70 of RA 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995), that outlined the requirements for issuance of ECCs. “More importantly, Sections 26 and 27 of the Local Government Code were violated, because Intex failed to conduct prior consultations with us LGUs”, Panaligan emphasized.
In October 2008, Panaligan served a cease and desist order against Alag-ag Mining regarding a scoping session in Brgy. Villa Cerveza, Victoria town. Victoria will host the mining operations. In May 2009, Panaligan similarly issued a cease and desist order against the planned public hearing of EMB regarding the EIA of the Mindoro Nickel Project.
Vice-Gov. Aceron meanwhile reminded the DENR that Oriental Mindoro has already passed a Provincial Ordinance in 2002, imposing a 25-year moratorium against large-scale mining operations in the province. She also asked the DENR what documentary evidence they have that may prove that the LGU allowed or supported the application procedures of Intex. She also confirmed that her office has received numerous resolutions from the barangay and municipal LGUs stating expressing their opposition against the entry of mining in their areas.
Meanwhile, Fr. Edu Gariguez, a convenor of the Mindoro-based Alyansa Laban sa Mina, and one of the hunger-strikers that camped in front of the DENR Central Office last November 2009, expressed mixed feelings about this Congressional investigation. Sa isang banda, maligaya kami na ang Kongreso at ang aming mga lider sa LGUs ay seryosong naninidigan sa aming mga pagtutol at pagkilos laban sa minahan. Sa kabilang banda, batid namin na mahaba pa ang laban na ito, sa aming patuloy na pagtatangka na kumbinsihin ang DENR na nag-kamali sila sa pag-isyu ng ECC, at dito kami may pangamba”, said Fr. Gariguez. (On one hand, we are glad that Congress and our LGU leaders are championing our struggle. On the other hand, we know that we still have a long fight, as we try to convince the DENR that they underwent a flawed process in issuing the ECC. This gives us anxiety).
Green groups in Manila expressed their strong support to the anti-mining advocates. HARIBON Director Anabel Plantilla said that “nickel mining endangers not only the unique plants and animals in Mindoro, but moreso people’s livelihoods and eventually their lives. No amount of mitigation will bring back ecological services that will be disrupted if mining will be allowed”, she said.
Some groups also chided the DENR, saying “They (DENR) did not need to have the Mangyans go on hunger strike at its doorsteps to know that the Intex mining project did not have social acceptability. The DENR need only to respect the provincial LGUs’ moratorium on mining”, said Judy Pasimio, Executive Director of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC). Twenty-five Mindorenos staged an 11-day hunger strike last November 2009, to dramatize their opposition against the issuance of the ECC by DENR to Intex Resources.
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) Coordinator Jaybee Garganera said that their group will remain steadfast and stand by the people of Mindoro as they assert their right to a balanced ecology and sound economy. “It is still hard to understand why Intex insists on pursuing this mining project. The local people are against it, it’s becoming more obvious that the application process was flawed and nickel prices are plummeting globally. Even the biggest mining companies are shelving their nickel mines, and yet Intex is still unreasonably persistent”, he said.
ATM, an advocacy group and people’s movement composed of more than eighty (80) organizations from mining-affected communities and civil society organizations nationwide, lauded the initiative of the House Committee on Natural Resources, stating that “this investigation will be able to prove that Intex Resources is not welcome and that they should get out of Mindoro.”
The Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an advocacy group and a people’s movement that upholds the rights of the present and future Filipinos against the persisting injustices related to mining. ATM is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations convened by HARIBON, Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center – Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC/FOEI) and PhilDHRRA. — (30)
For more information:
Jaybee Garganera, ATM Coordinator, (0915) 315.37.19, <nc@alyansatigilmina.net>
Fr. Edu Gariguez, ALAMIN, (0919) 800.55.95, <edugariguez@gmail.com>
Judy Pasimio, Executive Director, LRC-KsK/FOE, (0917) 526.83.41 <judy.pasimio@lrcksk.org>
Anabel Plantilla, Director, HARIBON, (0917) 527.06.06, <orgsus@haribon.org.ph>
I hope the provincial and municipal leadership can also take a similar stand that protects the environment and the people.
Technically, right now, MGB just wants to declare portions of Vintar, Ilocos Norte as Mining Reservation. But I think that's the first big step in the direction of allowing mining in the area. Better to stop it while it is just in the preparatory stage, right?
Since some people might be too lazy to click on the link to the source page, here is the article copy-pasted from http://www.alyansatigilmina.net/content/story/january2010/solons-lgus-hit-denr-mindoro-mining:
Solons, LGUs Hit DENR on Mindoro Mining
By atm.admin - Posted on January 27th, 2010
0digg
27 January 2010ATM PRESS RELEASE
Solons, LGUs Hit DENR on Mindoro Mining:
Local and National Groups Express Support to Scrapping of Nickel Project
MANILA, Philippines – A congressional inquiry into the issue-laden proposed large-scale mining in the island of Mindoro revealed several flaws in the DENR process of approving mining applications. The House Committee on Natural Resources today tackled House Resolution 1492, wherein the DENR was alleged to have committed violations in its process of issuing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to Intex Resources, owner of the Mindoro Nickel Project.
Rep. Diogenes Osabel, Governor Arnan Panaligan and Vice-Governor Ma. Felipa Estella Aceron took turns in grilling DENR officials from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) during the hearing. There was no representative from the DENR Region IV-B office.
Rep. Diogenes Osabel, main sponsor of the resolution and from the party-list ALAGAD, stated that the numerous issues raised by his partymates and members from the Mindoro provinces prompted him to be directly involved in this case. “I was made disquiet and needed to address my anxiety when our members in Mindoro, and in conferring with the LGU officials, raised these concerns to me”, he said.
Rep. Osabel took a commanding role in the committee investigation when he pressed DENR officials to answer the allegations presented by LGU officials, Church leaders, indigenous peoples, private sector groups and civil society from Mindoro.
Gov. Panaligan asserted to the committee that the DENR violated the Local Government Code by failing to conduct public consultations and was unsuccessful in obtaining consent from the LGU regarding the mining project. The LGC mandates that any development project must secure consent or approval from the LGUs thru an issuance of a Sanggunian resolution.
He also said that the DENR itself violated the Mining Act of 1995 when it failed to observe Sec. 70 of RA 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995), that outlined the requirements for issuance of ECCs. “More importantly, Sections 26 and 27 of the Local Government Code were violated, because Intex failed to conduct prior consultations with us LGUs”, Panaligan emphasized.
In October 2008, Panaligan served a cease and desist order against Alag-ag Mining regarding a scoping session in Brgy. Villa Cerveza, Victoria town. Victoria will host the mining operations. In May 2009, Panaligan similarly issued a cease and desist order against the planned public hearing of EMB regarding the EIA of the Mindoro Nickel Project.
Vice-Gov. Aceron meanwhile reminded the DENR that Oriental Mindoro has already passed a Provincial Ordinance in 2002, imposing a 25-year moratorium against large-scale mining operations in the province. She also asked the DENR what documentary evidence they have that may prove that the LGU allowed or supported the application procedures of Intex. She also confirmed that her office has received numerous resolutions from the barangay and municipal LGUs stating expressing their opposition against the entry of mining in their areas.
Meanwhile, Fr. Edu Gariguez, a convenor of the Mindoro-based Alyansa Laban sa Mina, and one of the hunger-strikers that camped in front of the DENR Central Office last November 2009, expressed mixed feelings about this Congressional investigation. Sa isang banda, maligaya kami na ang Kongreso at ang aming mga lider sa LGUs ay seryosong naninidigan sa aming mga pagtutol at pagkilos laban sa minahan. Sa kabilang banda, batid namin na mahaba pa ang laban na ito, sa aming patuloy na pagtatangka na kumbinsihin ang DENR na nag-kamali sila sa pag-isyu ng ECC, at dito kami may pangamba”, said Fr. Gariguez. (On one hand, we are glad that Congress and our LGU leaders are championing our struggle. On the other hand, we know that we still have a long fight, as we try to convince the DENR that they underwent a flawed process in issuing the ECC. This gives us anxiety).
Green groups in Manila expressed their strong support to the anti-mining advocates. HARIBON Director Anabel Plantilla said that “nickel mining endangers not only the unique plants and animals in Mindoro, but moreso people’s livelihoods and eventually their lives. No amount of mitigation will bring back ecological services that will be disrupted if mining will be allowed”, she said.
Some groups also chided the DENR, saying “They (DENR) did not need to have the Mangyans go on hunger strike at its doorsteps to know that the Intex mining project did not have social acceptability. The DENR need only to respect the provincial LGUs’ moratorium on mining”, said Judy Pasimio, Executive Director of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC). Twenty-five Mindorenos staged an 11-day hunger strike last November 2009, to dramatize their opposition against the issuance of the ECC by DENR to Intex Resources.
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) Coordinator Jaybee Garganera said that their group will remain steadfast and stand by the people of Mindoro as they assert their right to a balanced ecology and sound economy. “It is still hard to understand why Intex insists on pursuing this mining project. The local people are against it, it’s becoming more obvious that the application process was flawed and nickel prices are plummeting globally. Even the biggest mining companies are shelving their nickel mines, and yet Intex is still unreasonably persistent”, he said.
ATM, an advocacy group and people’s movement composed of more than eighty (80) organizations from mining-affected communities and civil society organizations nationwide, lauded the initiative of the House Committee on Natural Resources, stating that “this investigation will be able to prove that Intex Resources is not welcome and that they should get out of Mindoro.”
The Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an advocacy group and a people’s movement that upholds the rights of the present and future Filipinos against the persisting injustices related to mining. ATM is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations convened by HARIBON, Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center – Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC/FOEI) and PhilDHRRA. — (30)
For more information:
Jaybee Garganera, ATM Coordinator, (0915) 315.37.19, <nc@alyansatigilmina.net>
Fr. Edu Gariguez, ALAMIN, (0919) 800.55.95, <edugariguez@gmail.com>
Judy Pasimio, Executive Director, LRC-KsK/FOE, (0917) 526.83.41 <judy.pasimio@lrcksk.org>
Anabel Plantilla, Director, HARIBON, (0917) 527.06.06, <orgsus@haribon.org.ph>
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