Outcry grows over mining in Isabela mountain; firm claims operation outside Sierra Madre
CAUAYAN, ISABELA—A viral photo showing a heavily logged area in the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park in Dinapigue, Isabela, has ignited widespread outrage over alleged mining activities in the region, prompting environmental advocates to call for an investigation.
The Federation of Environmental Advocates in Cagayan Valley (FEACV) condemned on Thursday what it described as “destructive” mining and issued an open letter demanding an immediate halt and thorough investigation into operations allegedly taking place within the protected Sierra Madre mountains.
The Sierra Madre is the longest mountain range in the Philippines, spanning the regions of Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon. The Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, located in Isabela, is the country’s largest protected area and in the Unesco World Heritage Tentative List.
Often referred to as a natural shield, the Sierra Madre plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of typhoons in Luzon, including Metro Manila, due to its expansive forest cover and unique biodiversity, FEACV said.
“Additionally, the Sierra Madre is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic, making it a biodiversity hot spot. Natural Barrier: The Sierra Madre, also called the ‘backbone of Luzon,’” it added.
‘Inheritance’
“These mountains being mined are an inheritance from our forefathers, and I see those as our legacy for the next generations. What we are talking about here is our planet. We only have one planet, and we are now the caretakers. So it is our duty to protect our home—the planet Earth,” said former FEACV president Art Alariao.
He said “government officials should consider climate change mitigation before approving any mining project,” as these activities could disrupt “ecological balance, resulting in calamities and the disappearance of wildlife species.”
The group said they have photo a to show the visible damage to Sierra Madre, as it urged for collective action to safeguard what remains of the mountain range, blaming the deforestation on the Dinapigue Mining Corporation (DMC).
Compliance
In response, the DMC on Thursday defended its operations in coastal Dinapigue, asserting they respect the importance of preserving the Sierra Madre.
“As such, all our operations are conducted outside the boundaries of the Sierra Madre Natural Park and are carried out in full compliance with national and local regulations,” DMC said in a statement.
DMC added that it operates with full permits and clearances from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and local government units.
The mining rights in the area (MPSA No. 258-2007-11) were originally granted to Platinum Group Metals Corporation in 2007, transferred to Geogen Corporation in 2009, and acquired by DMC in 2015. Commercial operations began in 2021 after securing all necessary permits and environmental clearances from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Environmental Management Bureau.
DMC added it developed and secured approval for a Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan in line with the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. Prior to operations, extensive consultations were conducted with local communities to ensure social and environmental compliance.
DMC noted its commitment to responsible mining practices, saying, “We are proud that 72 percent of our employees are local hires, including Indigenous Peoples who comprise 2 percent of our workforce. Beyond employment, we ensure our operations are aligned with environmental protection and sustainable development.”
As part of their environmental efforts, DMC said that as of the end of the first quarter of this year, 626,402 seedlings were planted and donated for reforestation efforts.
The company said it “remains committed to transparency and constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including local communities and environmental experts.”
