July 24,2009 BORONGAN, Eastern Samar - Today, the Diocese of Borongan convened and hosted the 4th Eastern Samar Peace and Development Forum (ESPDF), which focused on the discussion on infrastructure development and environmental concerns of the Province.   On infrastructure development, the Eastern Samar Development Project Monitoring Team (ESDMT) presented its report on the national road project in the province. Controversies on the road construction projects with regards to the completed and incomplete construction of roads in the province were highlighted.   On environment, issues on waste and mining concerns of the province were discussed. In particular, problems in the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) were raised and issues on small-scale and large-scale mining with regard to mining operation without proper consultation and permit and child labor on small-scale mining sites heated up the discussion.   Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) representatives Jeff Rafa of ALAMIN and Roslyn Arayata of ATM’s National Secretariat presented topics on the National Situationer on Mining and the Alternative Mining Bill respectively.   The forum was attended by more than 100 individuals and representatives from the government offices (which include the local government DENR, MGB, Philippine Army and Philippine National Police), parishes, the Eastern Samar Development Project Monitoring Team (ESDMT), non-government organizations, academe and media.   By the end of the forum, participants agreed on the following resolution: (as drafted by the forum secretariat)   1.    Resolution of the endorsement of the Alternative Mining Bill. 2.    Revisiting the provisions of the provincial regulatory mining board (small-scale ordinance) 3.    Revisiting the provisions of the Provincial Environmental Code àinstitutionalization of the provincial multi-sectoral environment council 4.    Creation of a task force specific for monitoring of environmental compliance and violations 5.    Request the Diocese of Borongan, Provincial Government of Eastern Samar, and DENR to dismiss the case – intimidation and harassment à resolution for support of the SLAPPS 6.    Provincial ordinance – isama ang small-scale mining sa moratorium àincorporate na lang sa revisitation of provisions of the provincial regulatory mining board (small-scale ordinance) 7.    Resolution that PENRO à joining the task force 8.    Resolution that will be adopted by this forum – resolution of support to the ordinance prohibiting the large-scale mining in the province 9.    Resolution to totally ban small and large-scale mining in Eastern Samar   The forum was held at Bp. Leonardo Medroso Hall, 4th Floor, Bishop's Residence Borongan, Eastern Samar.    Note: Proceedings of the forum and presentation of speakers will be posted in this site later.