Talisay SP grants mining permits to two applicants

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City council approved yesterday two applications for small scale mining of limestone in sitios Lasco and Tigib in barangay Lagtang.

Granted permits were Theresa Aznar and Odalia Madamba.

Councilor Joseph Bernard Odilao, chairman of the committee on environment, said the operators have complied with the requirements pursuant to relevant government regulations.

Madamba and Aznar have reportedly acquired from barangay Lagtang permits to operate.

But opposition councilors Danilo Caballero, Romeo Villarante, and Valeriano Ylanan have alleged the council acted in haste.

“Why were they in a hurry?” Ylanan said, claiming that mining in the barangay could put at risk the environment and the lives of residents who live nearby.

Caballero said they visited the areas earlier.

Odilao, however, said the applicants have been told that if the ecological balance of nature is compromised, quarrying will be suspended and will remain so until the DENR and other government agencies say otherwise.

“The environment is not the only primordial concern of this resolution but the well-being of the miners as well, with regards to their terms of employment and safety health standards,” Odilao said.

Odilao said the city “shall promote and enhance business opportunities and relationships to individuals or corporations so as to open employment amongst its constituents.”