Northern Mindanao || X Babiera says resolution, a response to citizens’ calls vs mining
Babiera says resolution, a response to citizens’ calls vs mining
Wednesday, 22 February 2012 00:00
MISAMIS Oriental Vice Gov. Norris Babiera yesterday said the provincial board's move against small-scale mining operations in the province last Monday was a response to the Typhoon Sendong disaster and calls from citizens for a more aggressive and proactive action by local governments to protect the environment. Babiera said the proliferation of small-scale mining operations, particularly in the hinterLand barangays of Opol, Misamis Oriental, and along Iponan River, raised very serious concerns in various for a and multisector geo-hazard and risks assessments. "It is imperative," he said, "to consider declaring a moratorium on small-scale mining operations in the area" and stop the issuance of endorsements for new smallscale mining applications.
He added: "It is the thrust of the province of Misamis Oriental to protect and conserve its environment, not only for the greatest good of the majority of the present generation but moreover, to satisfy the needs of the future generations." Babiera also appealed to the Opol town government to respect the provincial board's resolution and refrain from endorsing any small-scale mining applications within a year. He said the provincial board would inform the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of its decision. The provincial board has approved the resolution, declaring a one-year moratorium on small-scale mining operations in Opol.
The resolution also sought to stop the endorsements for small-scale mining applications throughout the province. The resolution was authored by Babiera and co-authored by provincial board member Benedict Lagbas, chairperson of the legislature's environment committee, in an effort to protect the Iponan River. Babiera said, "The state is mandated to protect and advance the right of people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with rhythm and harmony of nature" based on the Constitution. He said the Constitution also provides that local governments should share in the responsibility of managing and maintaining the ecological balance of their territories.
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