1 month ago
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ILOILO CITY — A coalition of civil society organizations, churches, nongovernment organizations, and community leaders in Antique is strongly opposing the plan of Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Western Visayas (MGB-6) to declare upland areas of the province as a mineral reservation.
The MGB-6 proposes to designate a 7,000-hectare mineral reservation in Patnongon, San Remigio, Valderrama, and Sibalom due to the significant deposits of copper, gold, chromite and silver.
In a position letter submitted to the MGB-6, the groups argued that while establishing a mineral reservation does not immediately authorize mining, the areas are eventually designated as exclusive for mining purposes, laying the groundwork for mining projects that pose significant risks to the community and environment.
The groups said that the declaration has the potential to jeopardize areas covering vital watersheds, particularly the Sibalom River Watershed, which supplies drinking water to the four towns and supports Antique's rice granary in Sibalom.
"Mining operations — whether through pollution, sedimentation, or water diversion — would degrade water quality and reduce water flow, impacting the livelihoods of thousands who rely, either directly through farming or in towns that rely on this watershed," the coalition said.
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The groups also argued that the potential mining in the fragile mountain ecosystems would escalate the devastation caused by landslides and flash floods, especially in areas still recovering from Typhoons Paeng and Frank.
The groups also emphasized that Antique is promoting ecotourism and sustainable growth and a move that would push for mining contradicts these efforts.
The groups also raised concerns over the validity and inclusiveness of the MGB-6 public hearing on Nov. 26, 2024, in San Remigio.
The coalition criticized the process, citing a lack of representation from affected communities and civil society groups, citing the lack of representation from affected communities and civil society.
"Instead of fostering a true and transparent dialogue, the hearing appeared to be a promotional campaign, focusing solely on the potential benefits of mining while failing to present its environmental, social, and economic risks," they said.
The civil society groups have called for the MGB-6 to have strict environmental safeguards, inclusive decision-making, and a shift toward sustainable economic models that prioritize local well-being over extractive industries.
