Surigao del Sur town says no to mining
SAN FRANCISCO, AGUSAN DEL SUR—The municipal government of Carmen, Surigao del Sur, has rejected mining activities in the town, citing threats to its watersheds, agriculture, environment and communities.
Mayor Nestor Valeroso led the town’s opposition during a recent multisectoral forum attended by residents, church leaders, farmers, fisherfolk and indigenous peoples.
The participants expressed their opposition to reported mining exploration applications covering portions of the municipality.
A manifesto circulated by the Carmen local government last week said the municipality is primarily agricultural, with residents depending on farming and the sustainable use of natural resources.
“Our farms, livelihoods and food security rely on the continuous supply of clean water from our watersheds, rivers, springs and communal irrigation systems,” the manifesto said.
Titled “Do not destroy the resource base that has sustained us through the years. No to Mining in Carmen!,” the document called for the protection of the town’s natural resources.
Exploration applications
The declaration came after the municipality received exploration permit applications covering portions of Carmen, which is reportedly rich in nickel.
“Carmen has lived, grown and progressed without mining. Our future lies in protecting our forests, rivers, farms and the livelihoods of our people. We believe in agriculture, in our skilled and hardworking citizens and in sustainable development—not in mining,” Valeroso said.
Ricardo “Datu Bagyo” Iligan, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative to the municipal council, said the council had passed a resolution opposing the reported exploration permits of several mining companies.
These include Mega Ore Resources Construction Corp., MGTC Mining Exploration and Development Inc., Villagold Mining Corp. and Amalgamated Iron Works Inc.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau, however, has yet to confirm whether these companies are the applicants involved in the exploration permit applications covering parts of Carmen.
In opposing mining, the municipality cited Presidential Proclamation No. 1747, which recognizes critical watershed areas that require protection and conservation.
Residents warned that mining in environmentally sensitive areas could cause deforestation, soil erosion, siltation and possible contamination of vital water sources.
The community’s position is also supported by Surigao del Sur Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 155-25, which calls for the protection of Carmen’s watershed systems, including the Hubason, Bayoyo-Panaghoyan, Suwahid-Daan, Agasan-Cadilotan and Buyaan subwatersheds.
Valeroso said development should not be measured solely by economic gains but also by the preservation of biodiversity, environmental integrity, food security and the welfare of future generations.
Diocese of Tandag Bishop Raul Dael also expressed support for Carmen’s declaration against mining.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its attached agency, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, have yet to comment on Carmen’s “no to mining” stance.
