Environment officials met with stakeholders in Sibuyan Island to tackle mining issues in the area during the Consultative Dialogue and Capacity Building on Mining and Environment for the Stakeholders of Sibuyan Island, on October 19, at the Evacuation Center in Brgy. Panangcalan, San Fernando, Romblon.
This undertaking, held in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) MIMAROPA Region, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) MIMAROPA Region, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) – Romblon, and the Local Government of San Fernando, Romblon is in connection with the request of the LGU to conduct an information, education, and communication (IEC) activity to address the issues and concerns on mining activities in Sibuyan Island.
The said IEC activity is also among the agreements during the Capacity Building for LGUs of Romblon on August 15, 2022, and in response to the Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 144, S. 2022, dated October 3, 2022 of the Municipality of San Fernando, Romblon requesting the DENR MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director to send licensed forester and mining engineer to conduct IEC on mining issues in Brgys. España and Taclobo.
Among the issues discussed include concerns about the issuance of an exploration permit to Altai Philippines Mining Corporation despite the staunch opposition from the Sibuyanons; the possible risks associated with mining, especially on the island which has an active fault line and is susceptible to geohazards (flooding and landslide); assurance that mining in Sibuyan Island will be sustainable; and the environmental impacts of mining.
The participants also raised their queries about Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural Park as a “no-go” zone for mining; poverty incidence in areas with active mining operations; the legal definition of responsible mining; the stand of LGU San Fernando on mining; tree cutting in mining areas; quarry permits in Sibuyan Island; and the concept of social acceptability.
