TACLOBAN CITY – The city government of Borongan is seeking clarification from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) after reports surfaced that certain areas in the city have been listed as “open for mining application” by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the city has formally sent a letter of inquiry to both the Eastern Samar Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and the MGB, requesting detailed information on the inclusion and the specific minerals identified in Borongan that led to its declaration as having “mining viability.”
In response to the issue, Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda convened a meeting on June 9 with barangay chairmen of the affected communities: Calicoan, Campesao, San Gabriel, San Jose, and Siha, and Sohutan— barangays located along the Loom River, which may be directly impacted by potential mining operations.
During the meeting, Mayor Agda reiterated his strong opposition to any future mining activity in Borongan, citing its long-term, irreversible impact on the ecosystem and the city’s natural resources. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
The barangay leaders unanimously supported the mayor’s stance and pledged to launch a community-level awareness campaign on the dangers and environmental consequences of mining.
Earlier this week, the MGB posted on its official Facebook page a list of areas across the country identified as open for mining applications. The list reportedly included locations within Borongan, with coordinates pointing to zones near several river barangays. In response, barangay councils passed resolutions opposing the inclusion of their communities in the mining list.
The Borongan City government is currently awaiting the MGB’s official response to its inquiries as it continues to monitor the situation closely.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
