This refersto the March 3 Inquirer article on the recent forum on mining. I would like to correct some information.
My correct statement was: Mining, whether large-scale or small-scale, in island ecosystems is grossly irresponsible. In essence, I am not setting a dictum on all mining in the Philippines. I am saying that mining in island ecosystems where there are mountains, forests, coral reefs, mangroves farmlands and fishery resources, is irresponsible.
I am not sure of other areas, but I do know that in Palawan, the areas that Gerry Brimo says are not good for agriculture and have no biodiversity are areas that the farmers and scientists are describing very differently. They say Bataraza had forests and thrived on agriculture; the situation is very different now.
I was in Butuan and I was told that across Taganito Mines is Sohotan island, where there are thousands of stingless jelly fish. The islanders look at what is happening in Surigao and they are worried because the silt seems to be increasingly encroaching on their area.
I seriously question any statement which says that the only economic alternative open to that place is mining.
The next statement I need to correct is that the $1 billion being accessed for mining is in Brooke’s Point in Palawan, not in Sibuyan.
In closing, I need to reiterate that biodiversity is crucial to the wellbeing of our people. It is vital not only for our country but for the planet. Currently there are numerous mining tenements overlapping biodiversity areas. Given that the Philippines is the No. 1 typhoon country in the planet, mining in biodiversity areas must not be allowed. Again: No amount of reforestation can restore or replicate the sensitive weave of an ecological system. As such, in biodiversity areas, it is much more responsible to leave the ecosystem alone.
—REGINA LOPEZ,
managing director,
ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.