For this column, I am giving way to Alyansa Tigil Mina’s response to some columnists and editors arguing about ATM—a coalition of more than 90 organizations based in communities affected  by mining:

First, our alliance was formed more than six years ago to challenge the misplaced policy of (the previous) GMA (Gloria Macapagal Arroyo) administration in revitalizing the mineral industry in the Philippines.  We believe that the claimed benefits of investments, employment and revenues or taxes by mining are misleading, inaccurate and sometimes, bordering on lies. We have studies and published researches done by economists that show that the promises of the mining industry for the past seven years have been dismal failures. We strongly argue that mining is not an efficient driver of economic development, and it is far from an effective poverty-reduction strategy.

Second, we associate ourselves with the Save Palawan Movement, because we share in their vision and the commitment to protect Palawan and we will gather 10 million signatures not just for Palawan but also for all key biodiversity and agricultural areas in the country.

Read full article @ www.journal.com.ph