Provincial gov't leads massive campaign vs. mining in Guimaras
JORDAN, GUIMARAS—Stickers and streamers emblazoned with "Spare Guimaras' have appeared in this province marking the start of a campaign against mining activities on the island.
Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava said they will launch the campaign against approved and pending applications for mining in the province because of its environmental and health effects.
The applications cover from 70 to 80 percent of the 60,000-hectare island with applications covering from 2,000 to 30,000 hectares, according to the governor.
"This will destroy the island,' Nava told reporters here yesterday at the sidelines of the briefing on rehabilitation efforts on areas affected by the August 2006 oil spill.
Guimaras is known for its pristine beaches, export quality mangoes and richness in natural resources.
Nava, a physician, pointed out the devastating effect of mining in Sipalay in Negros Occidental and other areas that were ravaged after years of mining operations.
"We can recover from an oil spill but damage from mining operations would be permanent,' he said.
He said they are not against all forms of mining but only large-scale mining and extraction of minerals like gold and copper which would require deep and massive excavations.
Guimarasnons had earlier voiced out their opposition to the mining exploration application of Fil-Asian Strategic Resources and Properties Corp. (FASRPC).
The (FASRPC), a subsidiary of the Australia-based Rusina Mining NL, plans to conduct exploration for gold and copper deposits in a 2,400-hectare area covering nine of the 20 villages of Nueva Valencia.
The villages covered by the application include Napandong, Sto. Domingo, Lucmayan, San Roque, Salvacion, La Paz, Cabalagnan, Canhawan and Igdarapdap.
The firm is also applying for a permit for mining exploration on a 621-hectare area on Pan De Azucar Island in Concepcion town, Iloilo.
Nava said the people must be vigilant against mining activities because mining applications no longer require the approval of local government units.
The province plans to join the Partnership for Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) to strengthen its anti-mining campaign.
At present, the PEMSEA includes the provinces of Batangas, Cavite and Bataan.