Borongan City officials step up campaign vs mining applications
TACLOBAN CITY – The legislative body of Borongan City in Eastern Samar has taken a firm stance against destructive mining activities by unanimously passing a resolution strongly objecting to any operation that threatens the city’s environment, natural resources, and communities.
The city council, in Resolution No. 59 passed on June 11, called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and other relevant agencies to deny or revoke mining permits that could lead to deforestation, water contamination, soil erosion, and the displacement of communities.
“Destructive mining activities pose a significant threat to the environment, including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, water contamination, soil erosion, and the displacement of communities,” the resolution said.
The resolution was in response to a June 4 notice from the MGB, announcing the opening of applications for industrial sand and gravel permits in the towns of Hernani and Gen. Macarthur and Borongan City, all in Eastern Samar — with the proposed mining areas covering 2,759.79 hectares in Borongan alone.
“Be it resolved, as it is resolved, to strongly object to any and all forms of destructive mining activities within the territorial jurisdiction of Borongan City,” the Borongan City Council said in a resolution.
The resolution called on all barangays, civil society groups, environmental advocates, and church organizations to remain united in protecting Borongan’s natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
The city council stressed the need for Borongan to protect its rich natural resources and vital watersheds that sustain the well-being and livelihood of its people.
