By PS Mabaquiao
Philippine Information Agency

San Jose, Antique (24 May) — The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office here maintains its stand on responsible mining.

Vicente Sardina, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer said they stick to the stand of responsible mining as long as it complies with the req0uirements more particularly on social acceptability and no conflict on land uses. The people in the area are the ultimate judge to whether they will accept the mining activity in their community or not.

In Antique, the areas with restrictions due to conflict in land uses are those covered by North- West Panay Peninsula conservation area located in towns of Pandan and Libertad northern part of the province and Sibalom Natural Park in the south. These are protected areas with sanctuaries of flora and fauna and watershed areas.

North West Panay Peninsula Conservation Area serves as watershed for the world acclaimed Boracay Beach and other tourists’ destination surrounding Northern Antique and Aklan provinces.

Meanwhile, Sibalom Natural Park covers mountain range of Mt. Poras which serves as habitat of the world’s biggest flower Rafflesia and watershed areas of thousands of hectares of agricultural land covering Antique and Iloilo provinces.

The government stands firm on its established policy of mining while sustaining close monitoring of mining sites operations all throughout the country.

The record of mining investment in the Philippines has been constructive and mutually rewarding. If there are operational flaws that have to be rectified and wrongs to be set right, then by all means the government shall enforce the law to protect the public interest.

The government must deal with investors with fairness and reason lest we lose the confidence of a sector that is a harbinger of good paying jobs for our people and the development of communities. A balance between mining and the environment should be taken as a good starting ground for the harmonious working relationship in pushing for the interest of all parties concerned.

The Local Government Units play vital role in the operation of mining industry in the country. If based on assessment mining can help the community develop, barangay and municipal officials should be vigilant and see to it that all requirements are met, said PENRO Sardina. (PIA)

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