Sparing Guimaras in mining areas list still uncertain
It's still a very long way for Guimarasnons in their fight against the entry of large scale mining activities as Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza is non-committal to spare the island from the list of areas in the country open for mining.
Guimaras Gov. Felipe Hilan Nava, who met with Atienza in Manila recently, said the secretary made no commitment on the request of the provincial government to free Guimaras from large-scale mining activities There is no assurance yet from him, Nava said.
The Regional Development Council (RDC) has already approved a resolution supporting the province of Guimaras in their campaign against the entry of large-scale mining. The same resolution was endorsed by the Metro-Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC). Copies of the resolution opposing mining activities were furnished to Atienza and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Nava said they are not losing hope in the campaign against the entry of large-scale mining activities. The information dissemination in the target barangays will continue to awaken and brief the residents on the effect of mining activities.
"The provincial government is more of the "pro-active stance." We will not wait until all the applications for mining activities are granted by the national government," the governor said.
"My brother, Congressman Rahman is working for a bill to free Guimaras from all mining activities," he added.
"The mining activities will practically destroy the island. The applications for mining activities covers large portion of the island. Once all the mining production sharing agreements and exploration permit applications are granted, the tourism industry would be greatly affected," Nava stressed.
The province is working hard to promote the island through tourism. The scarcity of water is also being feared with the entry of the mining activities. Several watershed areas are included in the applications.
There were already applications for mineral production sharing agreement and exploration permit applications that were granted by the DENR head office. The approval of applications for exploration permit and mineral production sharing agreement is under the national office of the environment department.
There were four applicants in the province, namely, Fil-Asian Strategic Resources & Properties Corp; Dorilag Cement Corporation; Global Philippines Mining & Development Corp and Next Generation Mining & Development Corp. It was not immediately known their status of applications.