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)

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar is taking a step toward sustainable development with the formalization of a partnership aimed at promoting a fair and inclusive transition to renewable energy.

The provincial government of Eastern Samar, along with the local governments of Borongan City and Dolores, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Oxfam Pilipinas on March 17, 2026, under the RE-Start Campaign 4.

The signing ceremony was led by Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone, together with Oxfam Pilipinas Executive Director Maria Rosario Felizco, Dolores Mayor Zaldy Carpeso, and City Councilor Kathlyn Cainday, who represented Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda.
The agreement aims to make energy planning and decision-making more inclusive by ensuring the active participation of women and marginalized sectors, particularly communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Officials emphasized that the initiative goes beyond adopting renewable energy technologies, highlighting the importance of climate justice and equitable access to opportunities for all sectors. The partnership also provides mechanisms for funding support and legal assistance for green projects in the province.

A “just energy transition” refers to shifting from fossil fuel-based systems to renewable energy in a way that is fair and inclusive, ensuring that vulnerable communities benefit from and are not disadvantaged by the transition, while supporting sustainable economic growth.

Provincial officials expressed optimism that the collaboration will help position Eastern Samar as a model for clean, inclusive, and community-centered energy development in the country.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Samar is stepping up efforts to develop its bamboo industry after a delegation completed an intensive 10-day bamboo bootcamp in Davao City, equipping participants with technical skills to support sustainable resource management and livelihood programs.

The Samar delegation, led by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO) head Wilfredo Lacambra, included eight participants composed of engineers, architects, and PENRMO personnel. They joined other trainees from across the country in a comprehensive program focused on bamboo innovation and sustainable practices.

During the bootcamp, participants underwent hands-on training in bamboo propagation, species identification, proper harvesting methods, treatment techniques, and construction applications. The training emphasized the importance of selecting the right bamboo species, determining optimal harvesting age, and applying proper treatment processes to ensure durability for housing and structural use.

Organizers also highlighted bamboo’s potential as a strong and sustainable construction material, challenging the long-held perception of it as merely a “poor man’s timber.”
Lacambra underscored the role of bamboo in addressing community needs, particularly in providing affordable housing and creating livelihood opportunities.

The provincial government said the knowledge gained from the training will be cascaded to local communities and people’s organizations through re-echo sessions and technical assistance, with the aim of improving bamboo cultivation and utilization across Samar.
At present, more than 1,500 hectares of bamboo plantations have been established in 10 local government units in the province. Key planting sites include barangays Mabini, Loog, Catadman, and Rawis in Basey town, as well as areas in San Jorge and Catbalogan City.
The province primarily cultivates Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) and Iron Bamboo (Guadua angustifolia), which are now in their fourth year of growth and are expected to reach harvest maturity by the fifth year—opening opportunities for bamboo-based industries.

The initiative builds on earlier efforts of the provincial government to institutionalize the bamboo sector through partnerships with academic institutions and innovation centers.
Provincial officials said the program supports the development agenda of Governor Sharee Ann Tan, which prioritizes environmental protection, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth through sustainable resource management.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)