Will opening up natural resources to foreign-owned and large-scale mining boost the Philippine economy? For the government, the answer is yes. For environmental defenders, the answer is no.
“More importantly, Tampakan’s continuing lack of social acceptability from LGUs and especially from indigenous Lumad communities should have been basis enough to finally discontinue the mine.”
“The barricade will continue and even wider. Because we continue to oppose mining in Sta. Cruz, Zambales.”
A leader of small-scale miners opposed to open-pit mine in Pantukan survives a gun assault.
Dios ti agbabantay, Dios ti tumultulong/
Ti daytoy a bantay lugar naianakan/
Inta’y nakasursuruan iti na Kristiyanoan/
Ugali a napateg iti kaamaan.
“The mountains are still here, because of the people’s struggles.”
A leader of a small-scale miners group complained that Army troops have harassed him to keep him out of a public consultation on open-pit mining operations.
By GWEN GAONGEN Northern Dispatch www.nordis.net SAGADA, Mountain Province – Governor Leonard Mayaen says he is not in favor of the on-going open pit mining operation in Mainit, Bontoc. As head of provincial mining regulatory board (PMRB), the governor stressed that small-scale mining is allowed in the province for as long as it is operated…
By RONALYN V. OLEA
“This is an issue of life-and-death not only for the indigenous peoples but also for the whole nation. If all of the mining projects will push through, the damage on the environment and on the people’s lives would be irreparable,” Joan Jaime of Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (Kamp) said.
Sidebar: Philippine Mining Industry A Source of Profits for TNCs, A Curse to Communities
BY R. QUIBILAN DEMOCRATIC SPACE Posted by Bulatlat Vol. VIII, No. 10, April 13-19, 2008 (New York, NEW YORK) Last month, the municipal government of Nueva Valencia in the Philippine island province of Guimaras passed a resolution opposing the proposed mining exploration by the Fil-Asian Strategic Resources and Properties Corporation. Environmental groups and Guimaras residents…