Food production, mining can co-exist, says lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines - House Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada told the South Cotabato media last week that food production and mining can co-exist in the country with strict and proper monitoring.

“Primary is food security but there are areas where agriculture and mining can co-exist,” Tañada said.

Although Tañada said there are areas that are purely agricultural and should be treated as “no-mining zones.”

He said though that there are areas where there are minimal or no agricultural activities at all and these areas are best for mining.

“We cannot be as industrialized or developed as much as we wish to if we don’t allow mining in the country” he said.

Tañada said the Philippines cannot even produce nails for construction and this he attributed to the lack of a solid mining industry.

“Responsible mining is possible and can exist if there is strict monitoring,” he said.

Tañada said they are pushing for amendments in the Mining Act to ensure strict monitoring of the mining industry.

“Food security, pollution and other concerns should be included in the discussions,” he said.

Tañada said aside from food security and pollution, the geo-hazards allied with mining activities should also be included in the discussion.