CALAPAN CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has approved the application of a Mindanao-based mining firm to mine for gold and other precious metals in areas declared by the United Nations as “a biosphere reserve” in Oriental Mindoro, triggering an uproar from local officials and residents here.
Environment Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr. reportedly granted the application of Agusan Petroleum Resources Corp. for a financial or technical assistance agreement (FTAA) reportedly without any prior consultation with local officials.
Among those who have expressed opposition to the project are Gov. Arnan C. Panaligan, first district Rep. Rodolfo G. Valencia, and San Teodoro town Mayor Apollo Feraren.
In granting the FTAA to Agusan Petroleum, Atienza stated in his memorandum to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that “no adverse claim, protest or opposition was filed against the application,” ignoring the existing 25-year mining prohibition being imposed by local government units (LGUs) in Oriental Mindoro.
“Our stand is no to Agusan mining because it is within the watershed area of Alag-Linao Kawayan, the proposed site of a hydro power project, and adjacent to the Mindoro Heritage Museum, a natural park showcasing the unique biodiversity of the island,” said Mayor Feraren.
The FTAA granted to Agusan Petroleum and Minerals Corporation covers an area of 3,000 hectares proven to have rich deposits of gold, silver, copper, iron ore, and other minerals.
Agusan’s exploration and mining area covers the “highly-environmentally sensitive” towns of Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, and Baco, in Oriental Mindoro; and Abra de Ilog and Mamburao towns in Occidental Mindoro.
All five towns are known as “Mindoro’s agricultural, biodiversity, and tourism belt.”
Puerto Galera was long ago declared by the United Nations as a “biosphere reserve” and recently declared by a Paris-based club as “one of the world’s most beautiful bays” along with 32 other world bays tagged as “world wonders.”
Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, and Baco towns are an integral part of the DENR-protected Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor and declared recently as the “center of centers of the world’s marine biodiversity.”
Because of this unique position in the world’s marine biodiversity, a memorandum of agreement was signed last month by the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro, represented by Panaligan, the League of Municipalities of Oriental Mindoro, represented by Feraren, and the Conservation International Foundation for its “protection, conservation, and sustainable management.”
Congressman Valencia said that “before (the DENR) issues anything, it must get the concurrence of the LGUs concerned, have a clear understanding with them, and must respect the LGUs.”
