By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a resolution seeking probe on the environmental and social effects of mining and quarrying amid a series of recent incidents linked to such operations adversely affecting communities and ecosystems.
“The devastation and loss caused by mining and quarrying activities are distressing. Hindi lang kabuhayan ang nawawala pati buhay ng ating mga kababayan. Kailangang punan ang mga pagkukulang sa batas para matigil na ang mga trahedyang ito,” Hontiveros said on Monday (April 15, 2024).
Senate Resolution No. 989 highlights a series of tragic incidents including a fatal landslide in Maco, Davao de Oro, allegedly linked to mining operations, in which members of the Mansaka Indigenous Cultural Community were disproportionately affected.
The resolution stated the environmental risks posed by the mining industry outweigh the limited economic benefits for Filipinos despite the country’s abundant mineral resources.
Moreover, the resolution seeks to evaluate the regulatory framework of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), particularly the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), responsible for overseeing mining and quarrying operations in the country.
“We must not allow our precious natural resources to be exploited at the expense of our people and environment. Kailangang bigyang prayoridad ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan. Ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan, ay pangangalaga sa ating bayan at kinabukasan,” Hontiveros said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
