Legarda stands firm vs. mining in Antique, pushes sustainable growth
By Wilnard Bacelonia | Philippine News Agency | February 10, 2025 12:46pm
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH. Senator Loren Legarda serves as guest speaker at the Philippine Resilience Awards held at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Nov. 25, 2024. On Monday (Feb. 10, 2025), she reiterated her stand against proposed mining activities in Antique, and instead pushed for sustainable growth and green economy. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)
MANILA – Senator Loren Legarda reaffirmed on Monday her opposition to proposed mining activities in Antique, as the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Western Visayas (MGB-6) considers classifying the upland towns of Patnongon, San Remigio, Valderrama, and Sibalom as mineral reservations.
In a news release, Legarda warned that such projects pose significant risks to the province’s cultural heritage, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.
“Antique’s true wealth lies in its people, culture, and environment. Mining activities will disrupt livelihoods, destroy natural habitats, and risk the cultural legacy that Antiqueños have preserved for generations,” she said.
Citing the consequences of soil erosion and landslides linked to over-quarrying, Legarda stressed that further mining development would accelerate deforestation and soil degradation, increasing the risk of environmental disasters for local communities.
Antique is home to two critical protected areas under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018 — the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park and the Sibalom Natural Park.
Legarda said these areas play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, supporting agriculture, and sustaining eco-tourism.
“Our economy thrives on agriculture, fisheries, and eco-tourism — industries that are sustainable and rooted in our culture and identity as Antiqueños. We do not need mining to fuel growth. Instead, we should invest in enhancing these industries to create jobs and improve lives without compromising our environment,” Legarda emphasized.
Instead, Legarda called for investments in green technology, sustainable agriculture, and community-based eco-tourism as viable alternatives to mining.
“Mining does not represent progress. It represents a short-sighted gamble that sacrifices the future of our communities for temporary gains. We must choose sustainable development that uplifts livelihoods, protects our heritage, and ensures a thriving future for Antiqueños,” she added.
Source: Philippine News Agency
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