Tag Archives: Romblon

[Press Release] Romblonanons pass Environment and Natural Resources Code -ATM

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Romblonanons pass Environment and Natural Resources Code
Mining identified as crucial environmental concern

atm-logoOn Monday, February 11, the Provincial Council of Romblon passed its Environment and Natural Resources Code that intends to legislate measures to protect and conserve its environment and natural resources, specifically on destructive industries such as mining and logging.

Gov. Eduardo Firmalo said: “Finally, the Environment Code is passed! We are firm with our decision that Romblon is a special province, with beautiful resources that we should not forgo because of its promised development. As caretakers of our province, we agree that to protect the environment and natural resources is one of our important roles.”

Romblon provincial board member Felix Ylagan, the principal author of the environment code, said that it is timely to approved the ordinance to correct the errors made against the environment.

“The people have spoken very clearly, let there be liberality, it has been said time and again to ‘apply the law not by the letters that killeth but by the spirit that giveth life’; the legislation has far reaching benefits which will protect us now and those of our children’s children,” Ylagan said.

Among the most controversial sections include Sec. 64 on Mining where it stated:

Mining shall not be allowed within one (1) kilometer radius from a declared watershed or watershed areas as identified by the municipality concerned; Mining shall not be allowed above watershed areas regardless of its distance from the declared watershed areas; Mining shall not be allowed in tourism and agricultural areas as identified by the municipality concerned; in areas identified by Presidential Executive Order No. 79, series of 2012; and in Section 19 of Republic Act 7942 as provided shall be applicable within the purview of Section 64 of this Code.

Reacting to the recent passage of the ordinance, Sibuyan Islands Sentinels League for Environment (Sibuyan ISLE) said that the legislation challenges local government units to integrate climate change action and disaster risk reduction management plans in their development programs.

Sibuyan ISLE director Rodne Galicha said: “The path to sustainable development has been laid down and the decision-makers must implement programs which will not worsen the effects of the climate crisis—conservation, protection and rehabilitation of the environment are top priorities as well.”

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) welcomed this development and encouraged more local governments to legislate regulations to mining despite reported intimidation by some national government agencies to give favor to mining operations.

“We are pleased to find out that the provincial policy has been passed already, mainly because we believe that the local policy makers should take a stand and ensure that their environment is safe from critical industries. We congratulate the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Romblon,and the people for the strong political will!” Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of ATM said.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM) led by Msgr. Ernie Fetalino of the Roman Catholic Church and Bishop Ronelio Fabriquer of the Philippine Independent Church said: “Indeed the strong will of the people reigned after many years—it is the moral obligation of the Provincial Council to decide on the fate of the people towards a genuine environmental stewardship.”

REFAM further said that the approval of the environment code is a significant gift to Romblomanons on the second year commemoration of the province’s biggest anti-mining rally on February 14.

The Romblon Environment Code is passed three years after the South Cotabato Environment Code was passed. This is one of the reasons why the Department of Environment and Natural Resources cannot issue SMI-Xstrata’s Environmental Compliance Certificate for the Tampakan mining project.

Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM)/Sibuyan Isle, Alliance of Students Against Mining (ASAM) and REFAM together with other lay leaders awaited the adoption of the said Environmental Code.

Alyansa Tigil Mina is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of EO 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995, and passage of the AMMB. (30)

For more information:
Felix Ylagan, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, 0928-5031215
Pearl Harder, REFAM Secretariat, 0917-5927932
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, nc@alyansatigilmina.net, 0927-7617602
Farah Sevilla, Policy Research and Advocacy Officer, policy@alyansatigilmina.net, 0915-3313361

PRESS RELEASE
February 13, 2013

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[Press Release] Romblonanons pass Environment and Natural Resources Code -ATM

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Romblonanons pass Environment and Natural Resources Code
Mining identified as crucial environmental concern

atm-logoOn Monday, February 11, the Provincial Council of Romblon passed its Environment and Natural Resources Code that intends to legislate measures to protect and conserve its environment and natural resources, specifically on destructive industries such as mining and logging.

Gov. Eduardo Firmalo said: “Finally, the Environment Code is passed! We are firm with our decision that Romblon is a special province, with beautiful resources that we should not forgo because of its promised development. As caretakers of our province, we agree that to protect the environment and natural resources is one of our important roles.”

Romblon provincial board member Felix Ylagan, the principal author of the environment code, said that it is timely to approved the ordinance to correct the errors made against the environment.

“The people have spoken very clearly, let there be liberality, it has been said time and again to ‘apply the law not by the letters that killeth but by the spirit that giveth life’; the legislation has far reaching benefits which will protect us now and those of our children’s children,” Ylagan said.

Among the most controversial sections include Sec. 64 on Mining where it stated:

Mining shall not be allowed within one (1) kilometer radius from a declared watershed or watershed areas as identified by the municipality concerned;

Mining shall not be allowed above watershed areas regardless of its distance from the declared watershed areas;

Mining shall not be allowed in tourism and agricultural areas as identified by the municipality concerned; in areas identified by Presidential Executive Order No. 79, series of 2012; and in Section 19 of Republic Act 7942 as provided shall be applicable within the purview of Section 64 of this Code.

Reacting to the recent passage of the ordinance, Sibuyan Islands Sentinels League for Environment (Sibuyan ISLE) said that the legislation challenges local government units to integrate climate change action and disaster risk reduction management plans in their development programs.

Sibuyan ISLE director Rodne Galicha said: “The path to sustainable development has been laid down and the decision-makers must implement programs which will not worsen the effects of the climate crisis—conservation, protection and rehabilitation of the environment are top priorities as well.”

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) welcomed this development and encouraged more local governments to legislate regulations to mining despite reported intimidation by some national government agencies to give favor to mining operations.

“We are pleased to find out that the provincial policy has been passed already, mainly because we believe that the local policy makers should take a stand and ensure that their environment is safe from critical industries. We congratulate the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Romblon,and the people for the strong political will!” Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of ATM said.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM) said: “Indeed the strong will of the people reigned after many years—it is the moral obligation of the Provincial Council to decide on the fate of the people towards a genuine environmental stewardship.”

The Romblon Environment Code is passed three years after the South Cotabato Environment Code was passed. This is one of the reasons why the Department of Environment and Natural Resources cannot issue SMI-Xstrata’s Environmental Compliance Certificate for the Tampakan mining project.

Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM)/Sibuyan Isle, Alliance of Students Against Mining (ASAM) and REFAM with Msgr. Ernie Fetalino of the Roman Catholic Church, Bishop Ronelio Fabriquer of the Philippine Independent Church together with other lay leaders awaited the adoption of the said Environmental Code.

Alyansa Tigil Mina is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who oppose the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of EO 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995, and passage of the AMMB. (30)

For more information:
Felix Ilagan, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, 0928-503. 215
Pearl Harder, REFAM Secretariat, 0917-5927932
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, nc@alyansatigilmina.net, 0927-7617602
Farah Sevilla, Policy Research and Advocacy Officer, policy@alyansatigilmina.net, 0915-3313361

Press Release
February 13, 2013

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

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[Press Release] Romblon LGU rejects another mining application, Asserts provisions in P-Noy’s mining policy -ATM

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Romblon LGU rejects another mining application
Asserts provisions in P-Noy’s mining policy

San Fernando, Romblon – Municipality of San Fernando in Sibuyan, Romblon will not participate in any process pertaining to the application for Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) of Fil-China Mining Development Corporation, said Mayor Dindo C. Rios.

In a letter dated last August 13 sent to Roland de Jesus, MGB Regional Director for MIMAROPA, Mayor Rios stressed the provisions in the mining Executive Order 79 (EO 79) stating that protected areas shall be spared from mining.

‘The whole island is a protected area as a mangrove swamp forest reserve pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 2152,’ explained Mayor Dios. He also clarified that Sibuyan Island is also listed among the Tourism Development Areas (TDA), which had been declared as no go zone for mining.

Meanwhile, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) hailed this action of Romblon LGU for protecting their islands and recognizing that mining activities will further aggravate the susceptibility to landslide and flooding of many areas in the municipality.

“It was just disappointing that DENR themselves are the ones pushing for projects closed to mining. Even before the EO was released, there are already existing policies protecting Sibuyan including a local legislation opposing mining in the island,” said Jaybee Garganera, ATM national coordinator.

Alyansa Tigil Mina is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who are opposing the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of Executive Order 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and passage of the AMMB. (30)

—
For more information:
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator;, nc@alyansatigilmina.net, 09277617602
Rodne Galicha, ATM Sites of Struggle Officer; sos@alyansatigilmina.net, 09052850700
Edel S. Garingan – ATM Media and Communication Officer: communications@alyansatigilmina.net,
0922-8918972

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Press Release] After EO was released, Lake Mainit, Sibuyan Island and others still unsafe from mining -ATM

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After EO was released,
Lake Mainit, Sibuyan Island and others still unsafe from mining

Manila – With the new mining Executive Order 79 exclaiming that all mining contracts, agreements, and concessions approved before the issuance of the policy will remain valid, binding and enforceable, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) remained doubtful that several potential eco-tourism landmarks like Lake Mainit in Agusan del Norte and the Sibuyan Island in Romblon will not be spared from the threat of large-scale mining.

ATM maintained its position that EO 79 is just continuing the misplaced policy detailed in the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 or RA 7942, as the EO did not clarify which provisions will be given premium in its implementation. “There are eco-tourism sites and even potential eco-toursim locations where mining had been approved for exploration and even actual extraction activities are happening, so what will happen now?” asked Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of ATM.

Lake Mainit, Agusan del Norte
“That is just one problem in the EO; we cannot use it fully to resolve our on-going and very real issues with the mining industry just like the case in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.” Garganera added.

Garganera pointed out the struggle of the Mamanwa community around Lake Mainit who had been campaigning to halt the proposed mining project of Mindoro Resources Limited which will extract in ancestral domains just a few kilometers away from the lake.

“The lake has so much potential in terms of tourism, it is in fact already drawing local and international tourist. It is also a proclaimed protected area. We want the President to state directly that he is not just banning new mining permits around the area, but at the same time, in harmony of its intention to conserve Lake Mainit and its ecological significance, he is automatically suspending the operations and will be rejecting further proposals from MRL” Garganera exclaimed.

Sibuyan Island, Romblon
ATM also cited the on-going case in Sibuyan Island, Romblon where Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation challenged in court last May, the constitutional merit of the local ordinance declaring a moratorium on large-scale mining in Romblon.

“Again, what will happen now to this case? It is still business as usual, the threat to the wonderful rivers and biodiversity of Sibuyan is still there. The president has to understand that these are the cases we have to address, and unfortunately the EO falls short in this matter.” Garganera explained.

The group also mentioned that the same threat still present in other prospective areas such as Mount Matutum in South Cotabato which will be impacted by the planned Tampakan mining project of Sagittarius Mines Inc. and Xstrata

The group is frustrated that the EO is misleading in many aspects and no direct prescriptions or guidance that are useful to the communities.

“The provisions of EO 79 are all subject for debate and discretion of the implementing agencies; DENR will review existing contracts applying the same standards that they should have enforced anyway in the past years, while congress is tasked to decide over the adjustments in revenue sharing. When you have a law that all are still subject to decisions and prone to biases of the implementers, it is just the same with having no new policy at all. This is why we urgently need a new law for rational minerals managament,” Garganera said.

Alyansa Tigil Mina is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who are opposing the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of Executive Order 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and passage of the AMMB. (30)

__
For more information:
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator – 09277617602
Farah Sevilla – policy@alyansatigilmina.net; 0915-3313361
Edel S. Garingan – communications@alyansatigilmina.net; 0922-8918972

ATM Press Release
July 13, 2012

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[Statement] GANUN NA LANG BA YUN? by Akbayan Representative Kaka J. Bag-ao

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GANUN NA LANG BA YUN?

Privilege Speech on World Environment Day 2012
Akbayan Representative Kaka J. Bag-ao
Principal Author, House Bill 3763 (Minerals Management Bill)

Akbayan Representative Kaka J. Bag-ao. File photo source Akbayanyouth.org

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you in the matter of my personal and collective privilege regarding the state of the Philippine Environment and the celebration of World Environment Day tomorrow, June 5, 2011.

The long and tedious impeachment process that has captured the focus and energy of the whole country is finally over. Now it is time for us legislators to continue with and fast-track our legislative work to address the issues which endanger the lives of our people and decrease the sustainability and livelihood of our communities. Among these problems is the gradual but certain degradation of our environment.

Mr. Speaker, Today, we will celebrate tomorrow the World Environment Day under the theme “Green Economy: Does this include you?” Today’s nationally coordinated actions present and dramatize the current plight of mining-affected communities and of the Philippines in general, under the current mining regime.

First, the environmental impacts of mining include the destruction of key biodiversity areas in the Philippines. Mining can never be sustainable. Destruction of resources and biodiversity loss is inevitable. According to the 4th Philippine National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2009, 23 flagship mining projects are located in biodiversity areas and overlap with key biodiversity areas namely Palawan, Mindoro, Romblon, Sierra Madre, Compostela Valley, Surigao del Sur and Norte, and other various parts of Mindanao. Further, contrary to claims that ‘there is life in mining’, there can never be life when you destroy life itself. The presence of fully functioning ecosystems allows human beings to live on this planet. Today, on World Environment Day, we ask: “Pagkasira ng kalikasan dahil sa mina, ganun na lang ba yun?

Second, mining destroys agricultural lands and water sources. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, mining activities have direct impact on irrigation and watershed areas—water rights are completely given to mining companies, threatening the quality and ample supply of water needed by communities. Meanwhile, the effects of mining and mine tailings contaminate municipal waters and coastal areas. In one particular case in McArthur, Leyte, these mine tailings brough about fish kill. Our question now is, “Fish kill sa Lake Bito, ganun na lang ba yun?”

Third, mining instigates human rights violations and killing of anti-mining advocates. My fellow legislators, Mr. Speaker, we should note that the escalation of social conflicts and human rights violations are direct effects of mining to communities. More than 10 anti-mining advocates have been killed in the last couple of years and justice for them remains elusive. We ask: “Pag-paslang at pananakot ng mga mining companies sa mga ordinaryong tao, ganun na lang ba yun?”

Fourth, mining tramples upon Ancestral lands and their right to self-determination. Despite the safeguards provided by the Indigenous People Rights Act, the requirement on free, prior and informed consent is being routinely violated by mining companies. Ancestral lands are swarmed with numerous and overlapping mining applications, causing the displacement of IP communities. Ganun na lang ba yun?

Fifth, abandoned mine sites pose risks to human and natural habitats. Despite the passage of the Climate Change Act and Disaster Risk Reduction Act, and the concrete lessons on the impacts of climate change that we ourselves experienced, the government still thinks mining should be pursued. Mr. Speaker, we believe that no mining should be allowed in hazard-susceptible areas. Meanwhile, more than 8,000 abandoned and idle mine sites are not assessed; they are left unattended and are not decommissioned properly. Ganun na lang ba yun?

We ask ourselves a very basic question on the rape of our environment and natural resources, “GANUN NA LANG BA YUN?”

We, as legislators call on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the lead agency responsible for the protection, conservation and management of the country’s environment and natural resources, to stop supporting the liberalization and aggressive promotion of the mining industry. Given the state of environment now, we call for a paradigm shift—from the aggressive promotion of mining in the Philippines to the rational exploration, development and utilization of our mineral resources.

We, as legislators, should look at the real negative impacts of mining to the communities and the environment and say to ourselves: “Meron tayong magagawa!” Let us support the passage of the new minerals management bill—also known as the Philippine Mineral Resources Act of 2012.

As we commemorate the World Environment Day today, we are also looking for environmental heroes and grassroots leaders who are involved in efforts at the local level, where positive change is created through community or citizen participation in the issues that affect them.

Today, Mr. Speaker, we are proud to have Fr. Edwin “Edu” Gariguez—who was recently proclaimed as an Environmental Hero in ceremonial rites held last April 16, 2012 at the San Francisco Opera House in the United States of America for his endeavour to protect the Mangyan indigenous communities of Mindoro from impending environmental havoc brought by extractive mining activities in the area—in this august chamber.

Mr. Speaker, I have filed House Resolution No. 2474 commending Fr. Edwin “Edu” Gariguez for being awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize Award. The recognition of his achievements and leadership only affirms that we legislators, like every Filipino citizen, can also be environmental heroes in our own little way and that, truly, “Meron tayong magagawa para sa ating kalikasan! Pass the Philippine Mineral Resources Act of 2012!”

Maraming salamat po.

Source: http://www.akbayan.org.ph/news/12-press-releases-press-releases/200-ganun-na-lang-ba-yun

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Press Release] Three-year imprisonment for killing environmental activist – Not enough! -ATM

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Three-year imprisonment for killing environmental activist – Not enough!
Case is over with no justice, laments Marin family and supporters

Sibuyan, Romblon – Armin Marin, a staunch environmental activist in Sibuyan, Romblon and was then a member of the municipal council was shot dead on October 3, 2007 while leading a picket of hundreds of anti-mining advocates, after five years of investigation and court hearing, Mario Kingo, the man accused of killing Marin only received three-year imprisonment.

Killed but no murder
On May 23, 2012 in Magdiwang, Romblon, Executive Judge Ramiro R. Geronimo acquitted Mario Kingo from murder charges but was found guilty of criminal negligence and imprudence. The court ruling gave bearing on statement that the grappling of the gun between Marin and Kingo led to the incident.

In his verdict, Judge Geronimo promulgated that there was no substantial evidence to establish the intent to commit such crime.

Grapple for Justice
“The verdict had been served but not justice,” said Domingo Marin, father of Armin and president of Sibuyanon’s Against Mining. “We were upset upon hearing the decision. At this time, we don’t know what to do. We don’t just lose the case, it also feels like that we have lost our hope, justice is nowhere to find in this country” Domingo lamented.

On the other hand, Rodilisa Marin wife of Armin was completely devastated by the decision. “I really expect that the punishment would be more than just that, he was killed, killed helplessly.”

Growing Sympathy
Few hours after the verdict was announced, people in Sibuyan showed grave disappointment and rained their comments on various online portals. On Facebook, supporters of Armin Marin questioned the decision. “On what ground Ramiro Geronimo came up with that sentence, another insult to the injury for the victim? Geronimo should go back to law school, he seems to miss on a lot of things when it comes to making the call for justice,” said Romeo Sosbreno, facebook user.

A new Facebook page was also created to again call for justice for Armin Marin. The page, Justice to Armin, save Sibuyan (and Romblon Province), posted the actual photo of Marin during the time he was shot with blood bursting from his mouth.

Environmental groups and Human Rights Advocates were also dismayed on the court ruling.

Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina said that the killing of Armin was also a crime committed to the people of Sibuyan. “Hundred of protesters saw what happened, how Kingo grab Armin on his shirt drag him on his lap and shot him on his mouth. The promulgation is like telling the people that they are lying and what they saw did not happen.”

“But there is a bigger contentions on this,” said Garganera. “How it could be just ‘grappling’ of the gun, when Armin was shot in his mouth and the bullet went through the back of his head. It was hilariously bad; you grapple and put the gun in your mouth?”

Meanwhile, Fr. Edu Gariguez, 2012 Goldman Environmental Awardee and the executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action said that the promulgation sends a bad signal for other activist that putting their lives into the line is tantamount only to a three-year imprisonment of the murderer.

“Let us not forget the subject of protest of Armin and the people on Sibuyan. They want the Sibuyan Nickel Development Properties Corporation to pull out their mining project and make Sibuyan Island a mining-free zone,” Gariguez added.

Gariguez asked: “People are crying out loud for justice – for Armin Marin and the Sibuyan Island – will it ever be heard? People risked their lives for the environment and no justice to be served. Ganun na lang ba yun?” (30)

—
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who are opposing the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of Executive Order 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and the passage of the Philippine Mineral Resources Act a.k.a. Alternative Minerals Management Bill.

ATM Press Release
May 24, 2012

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[Press Release] IP solon notes rejection of mining at local level

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IP solon notes rejection of mining at local level

Photo source: kayanatin.org

“We’re seeing a wave of local ordinances declaring their corresponding jurisdictions as mining-free zones and asserting moratoriums on open pit mining, which can only mean that at the local level, people are rejecting mining.”

Thus remarked Cong. Teddy Brawner Baguilat (Lone District, Ifugao) at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Forum last Tuesday at Intramuros, Manila.

Baguilat observed that Davao City, Capiz, Zamboanga Sur, Romblon, Nueva Vizcaya, and a number of other local governments, are passing ordinances banning mining in their territories.

“Some Congressmen are even passing resolutions calling a stop to mining in their districts or provinces,” Baguilat added.

Baguilat said that these measures indicated that people are disappointed with the effect of mining in their lives and livelihood.

“I have yet to encounter a mining project that has clearly benefited the host community,” Baguilat said.

“Thus far, what we are hearing about are environmental damage like polluted water systems and cave-ins, and tension or conflict in indigenous communities affected by mining interests,” Baguilat added.

Baguilat’s statements come at the heels of fresh debates on the viability of mining, and at a time when Malacanang is pondering an Executive Order that will reportedly provide the master plan for mining industries in the country.

“What we need is a new framework for mining that departs from the antiquated Mining Act of 1995,” Baguilat proposed.

Such a framework, according to Baguilat, is provided by the proposed Mineral Resources Act or the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.

“This proposed law seeks to regulate the rational exploration, development and use of mineral resources, and ensure equitable sharing of benefits among the government, indigenous peoples and local communities,” Baguilat explained.

“This framework departs from earlier mining laws and policies that focused on extracting minerals without looking after the impact of those activities on communities and the environment,” Baguilat added.

Baguilat thus hoped that there would be sufficient support to pass the proposed Mineral Resources Act. ##

For further information, please contact the Office of Rep. Teddy Baguilat at 931-5106 or at email address teddy.ifugaocongress@gmail.com.

[Statement] SIBUYAN DECLARATION: Defending MIMAROPA Islands, Securing the Future from Mineral Extraction

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SIBUYAN DECLARATION
Defending MIMAROPA Islands, Securing the Future from Mineral Extraction

Converging our efforts to defend our island ecosystems from ridge to
reef to sustainably address the needs of the present generation and
secure the future of the next,

WE, as concerned mining-affected communities from Occidental Mindoro,
Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, united to protect
our lands and seas, shall

 STRENGTHEN our regional cooperation for environmental justice and
protect the epicenter of marine biodiversity of the country

 BROADEN support to communities to confront the impacts of climate
change and hazards,

 ENGAGE government at all levels and communities to promote
eco-cultural, historical tourism and sustainable initiatives, and

 Help ENSURE food self-sufficiency and recognize the interdependence
of island provinces.

In the genuine spirit of Sustainable Development, Intergenerational
Responsibility and Precautionary Principle, we therefore CALL for a
regional

 MINING MORATORIUM and make Agriculture and Tourism as core focus for
development;

 CANCELLATION of all mining applications and REVOCATION of all
existing mining licenses and permits.

 RECOGNITION of our local government’s autonomy to disallow mining in
their respective territories and utmost RESPECT for our indigenous
peoples’ genuine Free, Prior and Informed Consent processes.

For a healthful and balanced ecology, for our island-people’s general
welfare; to progress within the carrying capacity of Nature

 We DEMAND that the Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act 7942) be
SCRAPPED and urgently ENACT the alternative minerals management bills
pending in the House of Representatives and Senate Bill No. 3126 “A
Bill to Regulate the Rational Exploration, Development and Utilization
of Mineral Resources, and to Ensure the Equitable Sharing of Benefits
for the State, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, and for Other
Purposes.”; and

 We URGE President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III to declare Key
Biodiversity Areas, Island Ecosystems, Critical Watershed Areas,
Geo-Hazard Areas, Natural Forests, Eco-Tourism Zones and Agricultural
Lands as MINING NO-GO ZONES.

As a regional convergence, the Cooperation of Small Islands (CSI –
MIMAROPA), we shall stand up learning the lessons of the past to act
on the challenges of the present and face confidently the future to
make our islands the best places to live in without chaos in the grand
harmony of Mother Nature.

Signed this 19th of February, 2012, in the island of Sibuyan, where
the world’s densest forest flourishes, the Philippine’s cleanest
inland body of water flows and the majestic Mt. Guiting-guiting
dwells.

KAAGAPAY PO-NGO Network Inc. (KAAGAPAY): Occidental Mindoro – Bong
Marquez (0916.873.9366)
Alyansa Laban sa Mina (ALAMIN): Oriental Mindoro – Jeff Rafa (0918.944.3561)
Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (MACEC): Marinduque –
Myke Magalang (042.332.2713)
Alliance of Students Against Mining (ASAM): Romblon – Sweet Fetalvero
(0919.617.9341)
Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM): Romblon – Pearl
Harder (0917.592.7932)
Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM): Romblon – Beth Ibanez (0935.105.5729)
Sibuyan Island Sentinels League for Environment Inc. (Sibuyan ISLE):
Romblon – Rod Galicha (0905.285.0700)
Ancestral Land / Domain Watch (ALDAW): Palawan – Tisoy Mandawa (0905.614.5631)
Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC): Palawan – Gidor Manero
(0917.841.5775)
Palawan NGO Network Inc. (PNNI): Palawan – Beth Maclang (0920.905.8382)

[Press Release] Romblonanons unveil the country’s 1st anti mining monument – ATM

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Romblonanons unveil the country’s 1st anti mining monument
Commemorates the province biggest protest against mining

Tablas, Romblon—Today advocates joined the unveiling of Romblon’s Anti-Mining Memorial to commemorate the biggest protest against mining fought by the Church, Local Government Leaders and its people.

The first of its kind in the country, the anti mining memorial will remind the people of their effort to strongly face and counter the entry of large scale mining firms in Romblon.

Gov. Eduardo C. Firmalo said, “Today we commemorate the unity of our people to uphold the dignity of life and environment. As a person and public servant, I continue to adhere to the principles of genuine sustainable development, which will not sacrifice the capacity of future Romblonanons to survive. We maintain that local government units have the autonomy to defend the general welfare; at the end it is our people who will be left and will suffer. Metallic mining has no room in the province, and to follow the priority industries of President Noynoy Aquino: we should focus on agriculture, tourism and infrastructure.”

Romblon’s struggle started in 2006 when 8,000 people gathered to protest against mining in Sibuyan where anti-mining activist Armin Marin was killed the following year by an employee of Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation. In 2011, more than 12,000 people gathered in Tablas Island to protest against another big mining company Ivanhoe Philippines Inc (wholly owned by Ivanhoe Canada) which applied for a permit to explore approximately 14,000 hectares of land in Tablas Island but decided to withdraw in September 30 that same year due to people’s and local government’s opposition.

“We hope that the proposed mining policy reform order of President Aquino will uphold the decision of my constituents, recognize and further respect the mandate of the local government officials to defend the health, security and future of the general welfare.” Firmalo continued.

Msgr. Nonato Ernie V. Fetalino, administrator of the Diocese of Romblon and adviser of Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM) explained: “For nine months we have united all our voices and efforts but it is a lifetime commitment to defend the integrity of creation. We look at our environment as significant source of life and we are called to maintain the balance of ecosystem, we are stewards and we are not called to abuse it. It is our spiritual duty to defend the dignity of life.”

Ivanhoe’s main reason for pulling out from Tablas Island was the lack of support from local officials and unresponsive communities, it said in its letter to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Meanwhile, Cong. Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona is currently pushing for House Bill 4815 that will declare Romblon as a mining no-go zone.

“This is the voice of our people not to allow mining in the province. This biggest legacy we can leave for the province—to make our province a better place to live in with a balance and healthful ecology. We hope the House Bill 4815 will soon be passed as a law,” added Madrona.

Today, as the people remember their struggles against mining in Romblon, they also reaffirm their position against the destruction of the Philippine environment and the policies that allow mining to be one of the country’s priority industries.

“We shall continue to stand up for God and our country’s patrimony. The Mining Act of 1995 has been the root-cause of division among communities and continuously degrading the environment. We cannot permit this to happen in the province. We call for the scrapping of the Mining Act of 1995 and urgent enactment of the consolidated alternative mining bills pending in the House of Representatives,” Bishop Ronelio Fabriquer, Bishop of Iglesia Filipina Independiente and Chairman of REFAM concluded.

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who are opposing the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. The alliance is currently pushing for a moratorium on mining, revocation of Executive Order 270-A, repeal of the Mining Act of 1995 and the passage of the Philippine Mineral Resources Act a.k.a. Alternative Minerals Management Bill.
(30)

For more information:
Gov. Eduardo Firmalo, romblongov@gmail.com
Cong. Eleandro Jesus Madrona, doymadrona@yahoo.com, doymadrona@congress.gov.ph
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, (0927) 761.76.02, ?nc@alyansatigilmina.net
Rodne Galicha, ATM Sites of Struggle Officer, sos@alyansatigilmina.net
Farah Sevilla, ATM Policy & Advocacy Officer, (0915) 331.33.61 policy@alyansatigilmina.net

[Statement] The message of the death of Fr. Tentorio is clear, PNoy must declare war against EJK and the culture of impunity NOW! – TFDP

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We in the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP), a mission partner of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP), strongly condemn the killing of Fr. Fausto Tentorio of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Mission (PIME) in Mindanao.

We call on government to swiftly act on this case or it will just add up to the long list of unsolved killings in the country and encourage more commissions of violations and abuses against our human rights.

The death of Fr. Fausto Tentorio, an anti-mining advocate and defender of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, once again stresses the need for Government to once and for all seriously face the continuing violations against human rights defenders.

Fr. Fausto Tentorio’s murder establishes a pattern that continuous killings of human rights defenders still persist even under the new administration. It is not enough to say that the perpetrators will go to jail, it is imperative for government to demonstrate its ability to protect and defend its people especially those that have chosen to serve the most vulnerable and marginalized.

Just like Fr. Tentorio, many anti-mining advocates had fallen victims to violence and killings by still unidentified perpetrators.  There are the likes of Gerry Ortega of Palawan, Armin Marin of Sibuyan, Romblon and Gensun Agustin of Cagayan and many more. Are these cases not yet enough to prove that corporate greed and the obsession with profit causes killings and human rights abuses?

More than condemning the killings, it is the government’s obligation to bring perpetrators to the bars of justice, protect and defend any person against abuses and crimes.

Tomorrow, PNoy leads a command conference of the Armed Forces. Let this not be an occasion to beat the drums of war against perceived enemies of the state.

Let this be the opportunity to declare in no uncertain terms that human rights violations end now. Let PNoy declare a war against impunity! Let our thirst for justice be quenched by a powerful rain of arrests, prosecution and conviction of perpetrators of human rights violations.

Your Bosses demand an end to killings and impunity. Protect the right to defend human rights! Justice for Fr. Fausto Tentorio! Justice for all victims of human rights violations!

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[Press Release] Local officials laud mine exploration withdrawal – ATM

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Tablas Island, Romblon – Local officials and residents in Tablas Island yesterday lauded the withdrawal of mining exploration application of Ivanhoe Philippines in the province of Romblon.

In a letter dated September 30, 2011 to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Ivanhoe Philippines President Leo S. Deiparine stated that there had been a consensus decision by the board of the company to withdraw its applications ”based on Tablas as a low priority exploration target for Ivanhoe Philippines and the strong opposition of the local politicians for the approval of our applications”. Ivanhoe Philippines is a subsidiary of Canada-based Ivanhoe Mines.

“It is indeed the unity & strong opposition of the people of Romblon against mining which resulted to the withdrawal of the application for exploration permit of Ivanhoe Philippines. This is a giant step towards a mining-free Romblon,” declared lone district of Romblon Representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona. Madrona said he received a letter dated Sept. 23, 2011, from MGB-IVB Regional Director Roland A. De Jesus about the withdrawal.

Madrona recently filed House Bill 4815 titled ‘An Act Declaring the Province of Romblon a Mining Free Zone and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof’.

Meanwhile, Romblon Governor Eduardo Firmalo shared the same sentiment. “The power of the people and the political will of the leaders with the help of the civil society and religious sector clearly manifest the strong position of the province. We will continue to defend the right of our people to a balanced and healthy ecology,” he said.

Gov. Firmalo earlier issued Executive Order No. 1 imposing an indefinite ban on metallic mining in the province.

Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM), through its covenors Roman Catholic priest Msgr. Nonato Ernie V. Fetalino,, and Philippine Independent Church Bishop Ronelio Fabriquer, however, stressed that ”this victory of the people is just the beginning, the challenge to protect our islands is a life-long commitment”. He added that they are in the middle of a spiritual battle against greed and corruption. “We shall continue to defend the integrity of creation and human rights”, he concluded.

The ecumenical group further called for the scrapping of the Mining Act of 1995 and the passage of a new mining law to rationalize the minerals industry, protect and promote human rights and establish No-Go Zones, based on alternative minerals management bills lodged in congress.

Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), lauded the victory of the people of Romblon saying ‘the genuine commitment and struggle of the people led to the shortest advocacy campaign being supported by ATM, and one that went against a large Canadian company. If the province of Romblon can do it, the local government units and communities in other parts of the country resisting this destructive industry can now stand up more proudly to assert their power to decide.’

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who are opposing the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines.

Contacts
Pearl Harder, REFAM – pearl_harder@yahoo.com / (0917) 592.79.32
Office of Gov. Eduardo Firmalo – romblongov@gmail.com / (0919) 991.73.30
Jaybee Garganera, ATM – nc@alyansatigilmina.net / (0927) 761.76.02

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[Press Release] Green groups remember death of Romblon environmentalist – ATM

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File photo source: undangonangmina.alphabetthreat.co.uk

Sibuyan Island, Romblon – Environmental groups and residents of biodiversity-rich Sibuyan Island commemorate the death of anti-mining activist Armin Rios Marin during a tribute and mass for environmental justice at Brgy. Espana, San Fernando, yesterday.

Marin was murdered on October 3, 2007, by a security officer of nickel mining company Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation (SNPDC), while leading a protest against a survey and the approval of special permits to cut more than 70,000 trees.

Marin was trustee of Sibuyan Island Sentinels League for Environment Inc. (Sibuyan ISLE), former local councilor and staff of World Wildlife Fund (WWF); and lay leader of a local parish church.

“We are still standing united against the exploitation of our island; before Armin died he showed us how to stand firm to protect the future our children’s children. Justice for him is the revocation of Altai’s MPSA license,” said Domingo Marin, father of the murdered councilor.

“Mining in island ecosystems like Sibuyan and neighboring Tablas in Romblon is not sustainable as it endangers the livelihood and lives of communities, our voices should be heard – Romblon says NO,” said Msgr. Ernie Fetalino, chairman of Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM).

“Armin Rios Marin’s death is not isolated; this is the consequence of the insistence of large scale mining companies and the previous administration to exploit even the lives of communities – President Benigno Aquino III should consider the revocation of Alta’s mining permit,” lamented Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina.

“Mining affected communities will always stand up for their rights because the issue at hand goes beyond economics, for them it is food security, disaster resiliency, intergenerational responsibility and carrying capacity of nature,” Garganera added.

SNPDC is the local partner of Australia-based Pelican Resources Ltd. and implementer of a Mineral Productions Sharing Agreement (MPSA) permit held by Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) for an estimated area of 1,500 hectares. APMC is a subsidiary of Canada-based Altai Resources Inc.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau recently issued a Cease and Desist Order to Altai due to complaints from the local government units and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

Local government units, environmental groups, the religious, students and teachers, farmers and fisher folks joined the celebration.

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who are opposing the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines. (30)

For more information:
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, (0927) 761.76.02 <nc@alyansatigilmina.net>
Farah Sevilla, ATM Policy&Advocacy Officer, (0915) 331.33.61 <policy@alyansatigilmina.net>

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[Press Release] Romblon officials cry foul over Sibuyan mining – www.alyansatigilmina.net

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Said mining in island ecosystems should be strictly prohibited

Sibuyan, Romblon – Local government officials of rich-biodiversity Sibuyan island in Romblon province continue to express their dismay over the insistence of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation (SNPDC) to push with a large nickel mine project.

It was discovered on Saturday that MGB and SNPDC conducted a meeting to create multi-partite monitoring team for a nickel mine project approved by then Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza, few days before he resigned from office in December 2009.

“We were caught unaware about this meeting, this is a gross disrespect to the local autonomy, they don’t even have any social license to operate and the three municipal councils issued a joint resolution against present and future mining projects,” said Mayor Dindo C. Rios of the municipality of San Fernando.

“As we join the whole world in celebrating the International Year of Forests, we commit ourselves to protect our island where the world’s densest forest flourishes; we will not allow mining to destroy our remaining forests in the Galapagos of Asia,” declared Rios.

According to MGB Region IV-B Director Roland de Jesus, MGB representatives “are monitoring the activities of Altai with SNPDC as assigned project holder as part of the conditionalities of the permit granted by the DENR.”

“We have already recommended the island of Sibuyan to be closed to mining,” disclosed de Jesus.

However, the MGB cannot exempt anymore Altai since it was already granted contract. Nevertheless, de Jesus clarified that the company is only allowed at this point in time to purely conduct exploration activities and not mining per se.

Meanwhile, environmental groups and local officials have been questioning the approval of the license.

“We challenge the validity of the mining permit because it did not pass through formal and transparent processes at the barangay level; it was not even endorsed by the municipal government because the company failed to submit necessary documents and requirements formally requested by the Sangguniang Bayan,” declared in a statement by Sibuyan Island Sentinels League for Environment / Sibuyanons Against Mining (Sibuyan ISLE/SAM).

According to Sibuyan ISLE/SAM, the mineral agreement comprising an area of 1,580.8 hectares may be considered as a midnight deal signed by former DENR Secretary Lito Atienza a few days he resigned from his post in 2009.

The provincial government of Romblon through an executive order signed by Governor Eduardo C. Firmalo created a special task force to assess and investigate the approval of the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) granted to Altai Philippines Mining Corporation, which is now assigned to SNPDC at the local level.

“After series of dialogues and consultations in the three municipalities of Sibuyan, the consensus was that mining is detrimental to the health of the people and to the environment of the island, and that the costs and negative effects which may brought about by mining could not be compensated for by economic benefits of mining,” Firmalo said.

For the provincial government, eco-tourism and agriculture are more sustainable for such a delicate and high-biodiversity island ecosystem.

Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina added, “Romblon is a province composed of island ecosystems, just like Palawan, it is fragile and home to many species of flora and fauna that needs to be protected.”

Additionally, House Bill No. 4415 entitled: “An Act Declaring the Province of Romblon a Mining Free Zone, and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof” has been authored and filed by lone district of Lone Lone district of Romblon representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona which aims to fully protect the natural resources as well as the health of the residents of the affected areas in the province.

”We are all aware of the harmful effects of metallic mining and we cannot sacrifice the lives and the livelihood of our people; I am therefore, elated that the local government units through their respective resolutions support this legislative measures,” explained Madrona.

Backed with scientific references on the importance of biodiversity and citing the findings of Mines and Geosciences Bureau that Romblon Islands especially Tablas and Sibuyan are generally highly susceptible to floods and landslides, the bill seeks to promote preservation of ecological biodiversity and disaster risk reduction.

Meanwhile DENR Secretary aspirant Neric Acosta in his Facebook page said, “There are few places left in the country with such delicate and rich ecosystems, with the highest endemism of flora and fauna. Sibuyan must be a national ecological preserve, which should earn far more for the island from eco-tourism, scientific research, and environmental education programs, than finite extractive activities.”

Garganera concluded, “We support Gov. Firmalo and Cong. Madrona for their serious stance to protect the peoples of Romblon and its biodiversity. As we celebrate the International Year of Forests, let us keep in mind the importance of the forests and the whole island ecosystem that serves as the refuge of communities.”

Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations who are opposing the aggressive promotion of large-scale mining in the Philippines.

Press Release
May 17, 2011
For more information:
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, (0927) 761.76.02 <nc@alyansatigilmina.net>
Farah Sevilla, ATM Policy & Advocacy Officer, (0915) 331.33.61 <policy@alyansatigilmina.net>

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[Press Release] Romblon agriculture gets a boost from Secretary Alcala

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Romblon Governor Firmalo Photo file source: alyansatigilmina.net

Romblon’s mainly agriculture-based economy got a boost from Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala who visited the province last April 4 and 5.

The visit was made possible through the efforts of Romblon Governor Eduardo “Lolong” Firmalo.  The Governor said, “Secretary Alcala’s visit provided a clearer roadmap in harnessing Romblon’s potentials in agriculture.”

“Romblon has a great potential in agriculture,” declared Alcala upon arrival at the Port in Looc, Romblon where a well-protected fish sanctuary is also located.

In a short arrival speech before the crowd of Bantay Dagat and town officials led by Looc Mayor Leila Arboleda, Alcala pledged to provide the town’s small fishermen 18 new fish cages (payao) on a rent-to-own basis to boost their income thru aqua-culture.

He also encouraged the fishermen to apply a “bibingka strategy” by growing abalones and sea cucumbers underneath those payaos.  “Para may kita na sa itaas, may kita pa sa ibaba,” the jovial cabinet secretary explained.

Locally known as “balat”,  “sabra-sobra”, “lapas” or “kapinan”, abalones command high price in Chinese restaurants and especially when exported to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, China, Australia, USA, Canada, Spain and, Netherlands.  The same is true with sea cucumbers (with 23 local names) which price ranges from PhP 180 to PhP 850 per kilo depending on size and the kind of specie.

Alcala had lunch at  the popular Aglicay beach in another town, Alcantara, where he met with Mayor Eddie Lota to discuss the town’s needs for agriculture.

Odiongan fiesta

After Alcantara,  the Secretary proceeded to Odiongan where he graced the town’s Agro Fair and a turn over ceremony of a newly-built food terminal warehouse.  His visit also coincided with Odiongan’s 164th foundation day and town fiesta.

In his speech at the food terminal’s turnover ceremony, he assured Governor Firmalo, Odiongan Mayor Boy Firmalo and other town officials that his department will do all it can to provide Romblon the necessary assistance to develop its agriculture, including the idea of putting up a trading post which he pioneered in Quezon.

“Kung anong maitutulong ng national government, ating pangungunahan,” he told the euphoric crowd of Odionganons who appreciated the secretary’s down-to-earth style in dealing with the people.

In a public forum that followed, he responded positively to the request that liquid freeze facilities be provided in Odiongan, Romblon, and for other towns if possible, to prolong and broaden the marketability of the province’s fish catch.  The liquid freeze facilities, which he had been discussing with Governor Firmalo prior to his visit, will come in two weeks time. He likewise offered Odiongan the rent-to-own scheme for payaos that he offered to fishermen in Looc.

He also instructed the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) regional director to evaluate the province’s irrigation and water impounding systems to see if there is a need to rehabilitate them or if necessary build new ones; the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to upgrade the animal culture in the province; and for other agencies under the DA to make additional farm to market roads and other facilities such as flatbed driers, shallow tube wells, as well as supplies of seedlings.

The DA also handed down checks representing tuition fee subsidies for the province’s Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) scholars.

After the turnover ceremony, Governor Firmalo showed Secretary Alcala the Farmers and Youth Training Center at Barangay Rizal which needs additional funding support to become operational.

Boracay as market

Throughout his visit, Secretary Alcala kept stressing on the importance of making Boracay Island as Romblon’s main market owing to its proximity to the province and the island resort’s ever growing need for high value agricultural products such as seafoods, vegetables and fruits.  Boracay is host to almost a million tourists every year.

He told the town officials and the crowd that a DA team is going back as soon as possible to formulate a master development plan for the whole province of Romblon and integrating it to the national plan.

He also recognized the inexhaustible energy of Governor Firmalo in trying to make Romblon a great province.  Alcala and Firmalo became friends as they were both members of the 13th Congress.  On his part Firmalo thanked Alcala for taking the time out to visit Romblon.

With Miss Gina Lopez

A dinner hosted by the provincial government on the night of April 4 had Secretary Alcala and ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Ms. Gina Lopez as main guests.  Lopez was also in town advocating the rejection of mining operations in the whole province of Romblon.

Speaking before the ecumenical gathering jointly organized by the Aglipayan and the Roman Catholic churches, Alcala echoed Gina Lopez’s view that by experience mining does not necessarily bring development to host communities.  He told the faithful that the real alternative rests on the development of Romblon’s agriculture and that the national government is willing to help the province achieve this goal.

Meeting with local leaders

On the morning of April 5, Alcala was accompanied by Firmalo to Barangay Canduyong where a possible site for the PhP 15 million marine breeding station is to be built.  Once implemented, the project is expected to enhance the development of aqua culture industry in the province.

Before proceeding to the town of Calatrava to join local officials led by Mayor Bong Fabella in inaugurating the new fishport terminal, Alcala went back to a resort in Odiongan to meet with top local leaders from  Romblon’s 17 municipalities.

In Calatrava, he instructed his aides to evaluate the possibility of expanding the fishport terminal and putting up a coco coir facility.

And before catching up a flight back to Manila, Alcala led the release of baby sea turtles in the beautiful coastal barangay of Bunsoran in Ferrol town where he also met with local officials led by Mayor Jason  Fabila.

PRESS RELEASE
8 April 2011
Office of the Governor
Province of Romblon

Contact: Wilson Fortaleza
Information Officer
@ 09173732185

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