Anti-mining Campaign Pushed in Senate Hearing

Last Thursday, anti-mining advocates presented their case on the ill effects of mining to the Senate committee on agriculture. The group of Save Palawan Movement, UP economics professor, Chamber of Mines in the Philippines, congressman and senators were present to explain their side on the issue of mining in the Philippines.

First issue from the “Save Palawan Movement” insisted that irresponsible mining practices in the country have resulted in the reduction of forest cover, water pollution, and displacement and health problems of farmers, fisher folk and indigenous communities. As a result, this group launched a “No to Mining in Palawan” signature campaign to end the mining activities in Palawan.

Another issue presented in the hearing is from Prof. Arsenio Balisacan, he said that there is an increase in poverty incidence in the mining sector from 27.84% in 1988 to 48.71% in 2009 using data from a study made by the professor.

Meanwhile, former Marinduques Rep. Edmund Reyes reminded senators about the environmental and social costs of mining, like what happened in the Marcopper mine disaster. The incident made global news in 1996 when massive amounts of mine waste were released to the Boac River, leaving it virtually dead.

However, Chamber of Mine in the Philippines defended their industry in the Senate committee hearing through Atty. Ronald Residoro. He said that mining companies have helped assure sustainable growth in rural communities and provided a basic platform to improve their way of life.  He also advise the government that they should fight illegal mining activities and not the industry altogether.

But for Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, he said that it is not good to look at mining as a source of income and employment in the Philippines. There is a clear understanding for all of us that there have been terrible experiences around the country when it comes to mining.

   As for me, there are different advantages and disadvantages of mining in the Philippines. If we weight all of them, disadvantages go first. For that, we can’t take risk the lives of many people just to say that mining can give economic growth to the country. The government must really work hard in implementing rules and regulations about mining. I may suggest that they must think the majority of the people than the few ones.

Reference:(http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/12/08/11/anti-mining-campaign-pushed-senate-hearing)

Posted by: Nonalyn Pangantihon