Senate urged: Investigate quarrying, mining impact

Sen. Risa Hontiveros BIBO NUEVA ESPAÑA/SENATE PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — A resolution seeking to investigate the environmental and social impact of mining and quarrying activities in the country has been filed in the Senate.

In particular, Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ proposed Senate Resolution No. 989 asks the appropriate committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into recent incidents linked to mining and quarrying operations that adversely affected communities and ecosystems.

“The devastation and loss caused by mining and quarrying activities are distressing … We need to fill the gap in the law so the loss of lives and livelihood due to these operations would stop,” she said in a statement.

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According to Hontiveros, even though the Philippines is considered one of the most mineral resource-rich nations, the mining industry has not contributed significantly to its economic development over the past 20 years.

Her resolution stressed that the environmental risks posed by the industry outweigh the limited economic benefits for Filipinos, despite the country’s abundant mineral resources.

It also sought to evaluate the regulatory framework of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, particularly the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Environmental Management Bureau, which are responsible for overseeing mining and quarrying operations in the country.

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Tragic incidents

The resolution cited a series of tragic incidents, including February’s deadly landslide in Maco, Davao de Oro, which claimed almost 100 lives. The Mansaka indigenous cultural community claimed the activities of a mining company in Maco had increased the risk of similar disasters in the future and disrupted their traditional way of life, it added.

Hontiveros also cited the extensive mining operations on Homonhon Island, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

“[The mining activities] pose a substantial threat to the environment by disrupting the natural habitat of countless species and the ecological balance, and threatening to undermine the livelihoods of local communities [that] depend on the island’s natural resources for their sustenance and economic activities,” she said in her resolution.