GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- "Rest assured, there will be no mining applications or explorations that will be renewed in Sarangani,” Environment Secretary Gina Lopez has assured Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon who has long been aiming for a mining-free Sarangani.
Solon made a presentation before Lopez and environment stakeholders last July 15 at Greenleaf Hotel after their visit to Bantay Kalikasan sites in Lamlifew, Malungon; New La Union, Maitum; and Kiamba in Sarangani province.
In return, Lopez said she prohibits any form of mining in the province.
“I believe that by preserving nature, it can help end human suffering,” Lopez said.
Lopez, as ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation chairperson, plans in making Sarangani as a model for reforestation and eco- tourism.
Known to strongly oppose controversial mining projects, Lopez has planned to put up a task force in the province that would go after illegal loggers and illegal miners especially in Maitum and Kiamba.
She wants to enroll Sarangani as a model for reforestation and livelihood for the community through eco-tourism under the National Greening Program to support the province’s efforts in sustaining environment and agriculture.
Lopez, a known environmentalist, has done impressive efforts in rehabilitating the La Mesa Watershed, the Pasig River and in launching other ecotourism sites in the country.
She emphasized to create economic activity out of environmental preservation efforts.
Solon presented an overview of major environmental concerns in Sarangani – the two key biodiversity areas (KBAs) of Mt. Latian and Mt. Busa, Sarangani Bay, Malungon-Buayan River Basin, and Kling Beach Forest.
Kling Beach Forest has the potential to be the first beach forest park in the Philippines.
“Efforts should be in line with the livelihood of citizens,” Solon pointed out. “It should give good economy to the sites.”
Lopez visited the Virgin Coconut Oil Plantation in Kling, Kiamba; Lamlifew School and Museum of Living Traditions at Malungon and the White Water Tubing Ecopark in New La Union, Maitum.
These tourism sites are starting to gain popularity among tourists.
However, the white water tubing ecopark is threatened by illegal mining and logging activities where the headwaters of Pangi River lie.
The Lamlifew Village Museum is the first community-initiated museum in the Philippines through the efforts of the Lamlifew Tribal Women’s Association, the first cultural organization managed by an indigenous community registered at the Securities Exchange Commission.
“We are very honored for having the passionate and driven Ms. Gina Lopez to visit our province and be of help in preserving nature,” said Senator Manny Pacquiao, in Lamlifew.