OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE LIFTING OF THE BAN ON OPEN-PIT MINING

 OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE LIFTING OF THE BAN ON OPEN-PIT MINING

By PHILIP CAMARA

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The DENR has betrayed its developmental mission by allowing open-pit mining, coastal mining, and other extractive industries without the requisite protection of people's right to a healthy environment which is their source of good health and productivity. As the late Gina Lopez remarked upon her rejection by the Commission on Appointments: “when you make decisions based on business interest you have shirked your responsibility, you have lost the moral ascendancy to rule the government because your business and money is more important than the welfare of our people”

It is ironic that the Duterte government looks to the mining industry only as resources to pay for the bursting trillion-peso foreign debt, that only satiate their greed rather than answer to people's need. In fact, selling out our natural resources converts people's natural assets into a tormenting liability of disastrous floods, spoiled rivers and ruined irrigation systems and general misery.

Today, after four years of closure, the miners are back in full swing, hauling away Zambales land into ships bound primarily to China and also to other foreign nations. We have seen the destruction brought by mining in the towns of Sta. Cruz, down to San Marcelino, leaving the ecosystem unstable and soon to silt up rivers and lakes.

Food crops were destroyed, lands rendered barren as rivers dry up. Homes and livelihoods and the health of the Zambaleños are tremendously affected. We have nothing to hope for as apparently the Duterte government the promoter of any mining in the country.

Our hope is bound only to our people united in the struggle against destructive mining. We must call on all patriotic and environment-loving citizen to join in the strongest condemnation we can muster.

The time to act is now. Defend our rights to a healthy environment, it is our Constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. Terminate projects that degrade our motherland beyond repair!

We have a door opening in May 2022, let us usher in a better government and genuine Representation. Let us choose for a better environment, a better resource management, a better governance. Vote for those who will stand up for the environment, for Zambaleños, for the rest of Filipinos!

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Philip Camara was the Former DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations. He worked with the former Secretary of DENR, Gina Lopez, who issued the suspension of using Open-pit Mining Method. Before this, Philip Camara has always been Pro-Environment. He is the current CEO of Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources, Inc. or simply, Haribon. Now, Philip Camara is an Aspirant for 2nd District Representative in the Province of Zambales.

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