MANILA, Philippines - Its monicker, “Galapagos
of Asia” alludes to its natural sanctuaries where migratory birds rest and
nest. The island of Sibuyan in central Philippines is “an Important Bird Area
(IBA)” to conservation group Haribon Foundation.
Sibuyan is oppulently gifted than many of the
country’s islands. It cradles flora and fauna uniquely its own with over half
of its tree species found nowhere else on earth.
Biodiversity and endemism rates in Sibuyan are
among the world’s highest with 131 species of birds, 10 species of fruit bats,
and 123 species of trees considering it home. Species of mammals, rodents and
reptiles thrive incognito, deep in the forests of Mount Guiting-Guiting,
waiting to be named by some conscientious discoverer.
Irresistible Sibuyan
Immense treasures lie beneath Sibuyan’s bossom.
Nickel, gold, manganese, limestone and silica quartz have lured fortune-seeking
mining companies that by 2009, a total of 24 mining applications have been
submitted, encouraged by the country’s liberal mining policy cast in stone by
the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
These applications encompass 42% of the entire
island. Before any large-scale mining activity could begin, mining companies
need to level hectares upon hectares of Sibuyan’s forests—its prized endemic
species facing untimely demise.
Mercury rising
Increasing mercury levels have been detected in
Sibuyan’s air and water. Pro-environment group Ban Toxics had released this
month, the disconcerting results of its mercury vapor tests on the island.
Mercury, which is used by small-scale miners to
process gold from ore, is a highly toxic chemical that can cause organ failure
or harm the nervous system, and waste water containing mercury can harm
wildlife and the communities near the mining sites.
A Lonely battle
Residents take it upon themselves to guard
their treasures well when threatened. But the war against mining was not
without wages. Among its casualties is anti-mining advocate Armin Marin, who,
in 2007, was gunned down by a mine guard.
Marin, a former councilor and employee of the
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) led a peaceful anti-mining rally when he was shot at
close range in the mouth—an ominous message that those vocal against mining
will be silenced.
The people of Sibuyan had fought mining through
rallies, position papers, signature drives and alliances with pro-environment
groups. Local government has sided with the people—in stark contrast to
national government’s over enthusiasm for mining.
Tug of war in mining
policy
The government is aware of the staggering costs
of mining to the environment but made no consideration. With its Mining
Revitalization Program, the entire country is even opened to indiscriminate
mining.
Within the last decade, late Environment
Secretary Angelo Reyes approved a plan of mining companies to cut some 70,000
trees in San Fernando, Sibuyan to pave the way for exploration. In 2009, the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources under then Secretary Lito
Atienza received flack for granting a permit to Canadian firm Altai Resources,
through its subsidiary Altai Philippines Mining Corporation, to mine nickel in
over 1,800 hectares of Sibuyan Island. These were met with strong opposition
from residents.
Local government, on the other hand,
supported anti-mining causes. Governor Eduardo Firmalino released Executive
Order No. 1 series of 2011, enforcing an indefinite moratorium on metallic
mining in the province, as a result of alarming mercury levels in Romblon's air
and water.
The ban on exploration, excavation, extraction,
and utilization of metallic minerals in the province of Romblon shall be in
effect until all issues, fears and concerns raised by the different sectors,
organizations, associations and local communities are addressed substantially.
Tug of war in mining
policy
The government is aware of the staggering costs
of mining to the environment but made no consideration. With its Mining
Revitalization Program, the entire country is even opened to indiscriminate
mining.
Within the last decade, late Environment
Secretary Angelo Reyes approved a plan of mining companies to cut some 70,000
trees in San Fernando, Sibuyan to pave the way for exploration. In 2009, the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources under then Secretary Lito
Atienza received flack for granting a permit to Canadian firm Altai Resources,
through its subsidiary Altai Philippines Mining Corporation, to mine nickel in
over 1,800 hectares of Sibuyan Island. These were met with strong opposition
from residents.
Local government, on the other hand,
supported anti-mining causes. Governor Eduardo Firmalino released Executive
Order No. 1 series of 2011, enforcing an indefinite moratorium on metallic
mining in the province, as a result of alarming mercury levels in Romblon's air
and water.
The ban on exploration, excavation, extraction,
and utilization of metallic minerals in the province of Romblon shall be in
effect until all issues, fears and concerns raised by the different sectors,
organizations, associations and local communities are addressed substantially.
Tug of war in mining
policy
The government is aware of the staggering costs
of mining to the environment but made no consideration. With its Mining
Revitalization Program, the entire country is even opened to indiscriminate
mining.
Within the last decade, late Environment
Secretary Angelo Reyes approved a plan of mining companies to cut some 70,000
trees in San Fernando, Sibuyan to pave the way for exploration. In 2009, the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources under then Secretary Lito
Atienza received flack for granting a permit to Canadian firm Altai Resources,
through its subsidiary Altai Philippines Mining Corporation, to mine nickel in
over 1,800 hectares of Sibuyan Island. These were met with strong opposition
from residents.
Local government, on the other hand,
supported anti-mining causes. Governor Eduardo Firmalino released Executive
Order No. 1 series of 2011, enforcing an indefinite moratorium on metallic
mining in the province, as a result of alarming mercury levels in Romblon's air
and water.
The ban on exploration, excavation, extraction,
and utilization of metallic minerals in the province of Romblon shall be in
effect until all issues, fears and concerns raised by the different sectors,
organizations, associations and local communities are addressed substantially.
Demanding climate justice
In the month of December, residents of San
Fernando Sibuyan hold their annual “Pag-alad Festival,”which reinforces the
people’s committment to defend the environment, whatever the costs. During the
festival, the people of San Fernando Sibuyan pray to their patroness, Our Lady
Of Immaculate Conception, whom they believe will intercede for those who
protect life and the environment.
Sibuyan’s war against mining may not be a
success story just yet as the struggle persists. But it is all the more dire
and tragic if the island falls and fails, for doing nothing.
