Gains Church support
TACLOBAN CITY – Citing the need to protect its environment and future generations, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Borongan City in Eastern Samar has formally opposed destructive mining activities through a resolution urging government agencies to reject operations that threaten local ecosystems and communities.
In Resolution No. 59, unanimously approved on June 11 during the city council’s regular session, officials called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and other relevant agencies to deny or revoke permits for mining operations that could lead to environmental degradation.
“Whereas, destructive mining activities pose significant threat to the environment, including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, water contamination, soil erosion, and the displacement of communities,” the resolution states.
“Now Therefore, be it resolved, as it is resolved, to strongly object to any and all forms of destructive mining activities within the territorial jurisdiction of Borongan City.”
The resolution also enjoins barangays, civil society groups, environmental advocates, and church organizations to stand united in safeguarding Borongan’s natural environment for the benefit of both present and future generations.
Borongan, the resolution emphasized, is home to rich natural resources and vital watersheds that support the livelihood and health of its residents.
The measure cited the 1987 Constitution and the Local Government Code of 1991, which uphold the right of citizens to a healthful and balanced ecology and mandate local governments to protect it.
The resolution was issued in response to a June 4 notice from MGB opening applications for industrial sand and gravel permits in the municipalities of Hernani, Gen. Macarthur, and Borongan City, with 2,759.79 hectares of Borongan land included in the proposed mining area.
The move earned praise from the Diocese of Borongan, which has consistently voiced opposition to mining in Eastern Samar.
“We are very pleased with the stance of our honorable officials in Borongan City. Truly honorable. Boronganons will be very happy about this,” said Fr. James Abella, director of the Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace of the Diocese.
Fr. Abella earlier urged other provincial leaders to also register their opposition to any form of mining activity.
In response to mounting concerns, MGB Regional Director Glenn Noble clarified that the June 4 notice does not grant immediate mining authorization.
“The notice that we have is a notice denying an existing mining application and opening the area for new mining applications, not opening an area for mining operations,” Noble explained.
He also stressed that any new application must undergo thorough evaluation and comply with all regulatory requirements.
Currently, mining operations are active in parts of Eastern Samar, particularly on the islands of Manicani and Homonhon. Homonhon hosts four nickel and chromite mining firms—Min-Met Resources, Verum Terra Geosciences Inc., TelcIron Resources Inc., and Emirs Mineral Resources—while Hinatuan Mining Corp. operates on Manicani Island.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
