Palawan governor Dennis Socrates has signed the Provincial Ordinance for a 50-year mining moratorium in the province,viewing it as a big step to protect the environment.
Signed on March 13, Provincial Ordinance No. 3646 declares a 50-year extendable moratorium on the issuance of endorsements of small and large-scale mining applications.
“Malaking hakbang sa environmental protection, malaking hakbang pero simula pa lang ito dahil ‘di pa tapos ang laban. Kailangan maging mapagmatyag ang mga Palaweño,” he said.
Socrates said the collaborative effort played a crucial role in the passing of the mining moratorium at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The moratorium covers applications for exploration permits, mining agreements, and financial or technical agreements in the province. It also prohibits expansion into new sites of existing mining companies.
The ordinance was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during the regular session on March 5.
“Sa simula ‘di ko na-appreciate ang importansya. Lumabas sa Palawan Stakeholders Congress on Mining and Environment na 85 porsyento ng mga Palaweño na itigil ang pagpasok ng bagong minahan,” he said.
Bishop Socrates Mesiona of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa (AVPP) believes that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.
“We are taking a bold step in taking care of biodiversity,” he said.
The first draft of the ordinance was lodged in October 2024 after the mining summit in April 2024. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan conducted four committee hearings under the Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources.
Various resource persons from different agencies and sectors shared legal opinions and insights during the series of committee hearings.
Meanwhile, the signing of the ordinance also coincided with the 92nd birthday of the late Palawan governor Salvador “Badong” Socrates. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
