Siquijor dad Scores MGB on Exploration

Siquijor dad scores MGB on exploration

Friday, November 14, 2008


BY JUANCHO GALLARDE

Siquijor town in Siquijor province has passed a resolution objecting to the application of Paramount Minerals Mining Division Corp. of Mandaue City, for mining exploration in the province.

Siquijor Councilor Amado Calunod yesterday said he confronted Director Roger de Dios of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Region 7 about the exploration without first informing the local government units concerned.

Calunod said personnel from the mining firm had taken soil samples in Sitio Canyahawon, barangay Cantabon last Oct. 14, without prior notice which, he said violates sections 26 and 27 of the Local Government Code.

The MGB came to approach the LGU eight days later to signify their intention to apply for an exploration, he added.  Calunod said the application covers more mountainous barangays that include Mt. Bandilaan, which has been declared a national park.

Mt. Bandilaan is the source of drinking water of the entire island, and is a forest reserve area, protected by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the people of the province.

Calunod cited a council resolution, saying that water springs in Cantabon, the nearest barangay to Mt. Bandilaan will be greatly affected if trees are cut.  The people of Siquijor have learned their lessons from what had happened to the municipalities of Enrique Villanueva and Larena where water supply had diminished to a great extent as a result of the mining explorations, he said.

Calunod also lamented the statement of De Dios that the resolution was premature. He stressed that Siquijodnons will continue to oppose any exploration that they believe is detrimental to the environment and their lives.

Earlier, De Dios called on the oppositors to address first the rampant illegal marine extraction in their own backyard, if they are really concerned about the environment.

He explained that any protect has to undergo the normal process of filing which will resolved by a panel.

De Dios, however, said that any exploration that does not have a mayor’s permit can be stopped.*JG


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