Greetings of Peace in the Lord!

The Philippines is one of the most mineral-rich nations in the world, with enough deposits to support the country’s industrial development. Most of our people, however, remain mired in the poverty and misery caused by the exploitation of our mineral resources.

The country’s lopsided mining policies have significantly contributed to this dire situation. Communities have long protested against the liberalization of the Philippine mining industry, which allowed the government to open up mining areas to foreign firms and corporate interests at the expense of the nation’s domestic needs, people’s livelihood and health, and ecological protection. The Aquino administration has continued to support foreign-oriented mining and has neglected the people’s clamor to stop mining liberalization and plunder.

The time is ripe to strengthen our alliances, networks and campaigns against destructive large-scale mining and liberalization.

We would thus like to invite you and the lay leaders of your community to the Third People’s Mining Conference, with the theme “Heighten our Struggle for Land, Life and Environment! Stop Mining Plunder!” on March 1 to 2, 2012 at the Tagaste Retreat House, Magallanes Drive, Sta. Rita, Tagaytay City.

The conference aims to consolidate the experiences of mining-affected communities, formulate national and local campaign strategies, and tackle emerging issues and legislative measures related to mining.

Participants are requested to raise their own travel funds and the registration fee of P1, 000.00 to cover board and lodging and materials. Attached to this invitation is the tentative program for the conference, and a reply form. To confirm participation, kindly send the accomplished reply form to 3rdpeoplesminingconference@gmail.com or fax to (02)920.9099 not later than February 25, 2012. For inquiries kindly contact or call us in the said email address and phone number.

We pray that you respond positively to this invitation. Thank you very much, and God bless.

For the people and the environment,

Bishop Elmer Bolocon
Executive Secretary
Ecumenical Bishops

Fr.Oliver Estor,solt
Convenor
Forum Stewards of Creation

Clemente Bautista, Jr.
National Coordinator
Kalikasan-PNE

Joan Jaime
Secretary-general
Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan
ng Pilipinas (KAMP)

Frances Quimpo
Executive Director
Center for Environmental Concerns
(CEC-Philippines)