MGB not keen on mining sites in Davao City

DAVAO CITY  July 17- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau is not interested in opening small-scale mining sites in Davao City with the firm opposition from the City Government  on having to do with mining in the city’s territory.

“We are not looking in Davao City ” says MGB –XI Regional Director Edilberto Arreza, the MGB official is referring to the opening of Minahan ng Bayan or People Mining Areas.

Under Executive Order 79 signed by President Benigno Aquino III, small-scale miners are given areas inside Minahan ng Bayan.

Guesting at the Kapehan sa SM media forum at Café Rhysus SM City Davao last July 16, there are Minahan ng Bayan established in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

In Compostela Valley, there are three designated Minahan ng Bayan areas in Pantukan town (Biasong, Diat and Boringot), three in Maco town , two in Nabunturan (Inupuan and Saraban) while Davao Oriental has one (Banay-Banay). On process is the identification of mining areas in Davao del Sur.

Arreza said that even if they found a potential site in Davao City, they still need the endorsement of the local government of Davao City which has been stern and unflinching in its anti-mining stand.

Just last week Davao City Vice-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he will defy EO 79 if necessary saying the city government would still ban mining in the city.

Arreza said that the new EO is not meant to supersede local ordinances but rather to provide consistency in the implementation of the national laws with the local laws.

In her statement Presidential Deputy Spokersperson Abigail Valte said that local government units are allowed  to accept mining applications from firms but should they as a whole decide to not to allow mining in their areas then it should be followed.

Arreza said the MGB has submitted the areas of Mt. Apo National Park, Mt. Hamiguitan Protected Landscape, Aliwagwag Waterfalls and the Island Garden City of Samal to be proposed as strictly no mining areas.

He added that Mt. Apo and Mt. Hamiguitan are strictly protected areas, citing Mt. Hamiguitan which hosts the most expansive bonsai forest in the country has been spared from further mining activity when a company pulled out its application for a mining permit in the area.

Under EO 79, Mining is not allowed in areas already identified under the existing laws on mining, agrarian and protected areas, as well as in sites that may be determined by the Department of Environment and natural Resources. (PIA 11/RG Alama)