TACLOBAN CITY — Marking a milestone in Philippine history, the mayor of Guiuan, Eastern Samar used the occasion to challenge mining firms on Homonhon Island to ensure their operations translate into real benefits for communities while safeguarding the environment.
Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan made the call during the commemoration of the 505th anniversary of the Philippine part of the first circumnavigation of the world on March 17 at Sitio Cantilado, Barangay Pagbabangnan.
In her message, Gonzales-Kwan urged mining companies to go beyond regulatory compliance and demonstrate genuine concern for residents and the island’s natural resources.
“I call on all mining companies operating here to practice not only compliance but also humanity. Take care of the people and our communities—not just because of business, but because it comes from the heart. You must also care for our environment,” the mayor said.
Homonhon Island is historically significant as the site where the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan first landed in the Philippines on March 17, 1521, after crossing the Pacific Ocean. Despite this legacy, the island has faced growing concerns over the environmental impact of ongoing mining operations.
Gonzales-Kwan stressed that ensuring responsible mining is a shared responsibility among government, companies, and the community.
“We must prove that responsible mining is possible. It should mean protecting our waters, preserving our environment, and ensuring that development truly benefits the communities that have cared for this island long before any industry arrived,” she added.
Mining activities on Homonhon have long drawn criticism from various sectors, including church groups and the Save Homonhon movement, which argue that the island’s ecological and historical value should take precedence over mining revenues.
Currently, five companies operate on the island: Techiron Resources Inc., Verum Terra Geoscience Inc., Pacific Prime Metals and Resources Inc., Global Min-Met Resources Corp., and Emir Mineral Resources Corp. These firms extract chromite and nickel, largely exported to China for processing into stainless steel and high-temperature alloys.
To strengthen oversight, the municipal government has established the Guiuan Mining Industry Sustainable Development Coordinating Council. The body brings together the local government unit, mining companies operating on Homonhon and nearby Manicani Island, and regulatory agencies such as the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 8 to promote responsible mining and align operations with sustainable development goals.
“Many people say mining has been in Guiuan for a long time, yet they have not seen development. This time, we will make it different. We will ensure that projects are real development projects that people can see and feel,” Gonzales-Kwan emphasized.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
