Gov Contreras back moratorium on large-scale mining in Capiz
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Capiz recently held a public hearing on the imposition of 50-year large-scale mining moratorium in the province.
The activity, president by SP member Mateo Hachuela, chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, sought to listen to the sentiments of the Capiznons on the proposed legislation.
The proposed provincial ordinance seeks to impose a 50-year moratorium on large-scale mining operations in Capiz.
“I am deeply saddened particularly the destruction of our mountains for reserved minerals. The Philippines is the 3rd in the world that has the most amount of gold, what happened? We are so rich in gold and yet we are so poor,” said Darlene Surriga, union president of the Capiz Environmental Protection Alliance.
Governor Esteban Evan Contreras and Vice Governor James Magbanua promised to support a moratorium on large-scale mining.
Also present during the public hearing were SP members Esteban Jose Contreras, Jonathan Besa, Elmer Arevalo, Enrique Martin, Weldie Apolinario, Jr., Ferdinand Baguio and Querubin Pamplona.
To recall, Ordinance No. 06, series of 1999 was passsed on August 27, 1999, declaring a 15-year moratorium on large-scale mining activities in the province of Capiz, and was later amended to 50 years through Ordinance No. 01, series of 2002.
Said moratorium ordinance, however, was lifted on May 11, 2016 through Ordinance No. 009, series of 2016.
Source: Politiko Visayas