Green Group Lauds South Cotabato Resolutions Upholding Ban on Open-pit Mines
Press Statement | Alyansa Tigil Mina | March 23, 2022
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) lauded the signing by South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. of the issued resolutions of the Provincial Development Council to “uphold the ban on open-pit mining method” in the province.
“This is a welcome move as it represents the sentiments of the stakeholders in the province. We commend the provincial government for heeding the demands of the residents of South Cotabato. We have been anxious that by reviewing the ban on open-pit mining, the provincial government would cave in to corporate lobby. We are happy it stood with the people,” said Rene Pamplona, Chair of Alyansa Tigil Mina.
In a letter to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan dated March 10, 2022, Governor Tamayo endorsed the Provincial Development Council (PDC) Resolution No. 2022-01 “PDC Resolution Supporting to Uphold the Environment Code in Banning the Open Pit Mining in the Province of South Cotabato”. The Governor also endorsed to the SP the adoption and approval of PDC-ENRM-DRR/CCA Committee Resolution 2022-01, PDC Social Development Committee Resolution 2022-01, and PDC Institutional Development Committee Resolution 2022-01 – all of which resolved to uphold the ban on open-pit mining.
“We call on the Sanggunian Panlalawigan of South Cotabato to listen to the clamor of the people as represented by the PDC. As officials directly elected by the people, the SP must heed the call to uphold the ban on open-pit mining in the province,” said Jaybee Garganera from ATM.
Pamplona added that “the ban on open-pit mining method is for the protection and for the general welfare of the people of South Cotabato. We are glad the Provincial Development Council, headed by the Governor, stood their ground to uphold the ban.”
As the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) is considering to lift the ban on open-pit mining, 93,453 signatures were submitted to the body, articulating the firm stance of the people against the proposed amendment in the Environment Code.
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