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Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Environment chief assures protection of natural resources
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) vowed it would not allow the destruction of the environment despite its support to mining expansion in the country.
Following the Supreme Court's declaration on the constitutionality of the Philippine Mining Act, DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes assured the preservation of the environment would still be the foremost concern of the department.
"While we encourage mining, we want this done in a responsible manner," Reyes said, adding that the present mandate for mining companies to allot one percent of their net income for reforestation and other environment preservation projects, shall strictly be imposed.
Even small-scale miners have to conform with environmental preservation efforts, Reyes added. "The DENR will not tolerate mining activities that will threaten the environment and the community."
Anti-mining advocates expressed fear that the environment would be degraded and indigenous peoples would be displaced as a result of proposed explorations on ancestral land claims.
But Reyes said prior to the approval of mining applications, there is a need to first secure the nod of the communities where the exploration would be undertaken.
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), local government unit and the DENR are the agencies mandated to coordinate and conduct consultations with host communities with regard mining applications. (RO)
(April 18, 2006 issue)
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