Hearing on Mining in Brgy. Canaam, Vintar, Ilocos Norte

I just heard today that there will be a hearing on mining in Brgy. Canaam, Vintar, Ilocos Norte on Friday, February 3, 2012.

According to ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER  NO. 2010-21:  The public shall  be notified by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the province, as well as by posting in all affected municipalities and barangays, at least thirty (30) days before said hearings are conducted... No recommendation of the Director shall be acted upon by the Secretary unless the preceding paragraph has been strictly complied with.


I wonder how many people know about this.

In the January 17, 2012 public hearing, I got the impression that the MGB people were saying that they got what we want to say. That they understand that the Vintarinians do not want mining to be conducted in Vintar. Now, there's another hearing on mining. I wonder why they did not answer the question: Can they proceed with the mining even if the Vintarinians are against it? They can't even tell us who will be responsible if there will be adverse effects.

To all the people out there who care for our beloved Vintar, let us find out what is happening in our town. I feel that we are being railroaded into accepting mining in our midst without due process. What do you feel?

Let us go to Brgy. Canaam, Vintar, Ilocos Norte early in the morning of Friday, February 3, 2012 to see the people (or the people behind them) who want mining to be conducted in our town. Let us see if they are following proper procedures which were supposedly drafted to make things fair.


I would like to know if this is how President Aquino's mining initiative is supposed to work? I am worried that the rules are not being followed here in our town. I hope an impartial person would look into it.


Right now, what comes to my mind is when Mr. President said "Kayo ang boss ko...". I hope the people's voice matters in this mining situation. I hope it won't be ignored in favor of government revenue.