ATM laments Cantilan LGU’s “resolution of no objection” to tree-cutting permits
- 1 minute ago
- 2 min read
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) expressed disappointment over the “resolution of no objection” of the local government of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, to the application for a special tree-cutting and earth-balling permit by Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation (MMDC) despite firm opposition from the town’s residents.
Rick John Guillarte of ATM’s Youth Network and Cantilan’s Baywatch Foundation-Youth, said “The people of Cantilan have spoken: NO to tree cutting. Yet our local government chose to issue a no-objection to MMDC’s application. This is a blatant contradiction and a betrayal of the people they are mandated to serve”.
“Public office must serve the people, not corporate interests. Our forests, our land, and our future are not for sacrifice. Paminawa ang katawhan. Depensahi ang kinaiyahan. They should listen to the people and defend the environment,” he added.
A public hearing was earlier held where the residents strongly rejected the approval of MMDC’s application for tree-cutting and earth-balling permit.
Mr. Vicente Cirilo A. Iriberri, General Manager of Cantilan Water District (CWD), said, “It is disappointing that the public hearing appears to have been conducted merely as a matter of compliance, without adequately addressing our fundamental concerns regarding water security, the expiration of MMDC’s MPSA in 2027, and the legal significance of Proclamation No. 1747 declaring the Carac-an Watershed Forest Reserves.”
“Our mandate as a public water utility is clear: to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for the present and future generations. This mandate necessarily requires us to raise concerns when activities may affect the long-term integrity and sustainability of our water sources,” Iriberri clarified, stressing that the CWD likewise opposed the granting of tree-cutting and earth-balling permit.
Meanwhile, Emma Hotchkiss of ATM’s Council of Leaders and Baywatch Foundation, said, “The Cantilan LGU’s resolution is simply passing the buck to the DENR.” She explained that the DENR must adhere to the No Rehab, No Extension, which provides that “if a mining company fails to meet its annual progressive rehabilitation targets, the government can deny permits for new land clearing or expansion, such as Special Tree Cutting and Earth-Balling Permits.”
According to Hotchkiss, MMDC has already disturbed an area of 600 hectares, of which only 200 hectares have been rehabilitated. “There are still 400 hectares that need rehabilitation. What then will happen when MMDC’s extended contract expires in 2027? Clearly, DENR must not grant any permit pending MMDC’s compliance with the No Rehab, No Expansion Rule.”
Comments