Mindoro defends its indigenous heritage

As early as March of 1997, the people of Mindoro were already bracing themselves to oppose the exploration of minerals in a 2,290-hectare site in Victoria in the northeast part of the island. The project literally threatened the survival of two Mangyan groups – the Alangans and the Tadyawans.

Fr. Edwin Gutierrez of the Mangyan Mission Bishop Finneman Center in Calapan wrote: "The destruction of land from where the Mangyans get their sustenance both physically and spiritually could forever alter their way of life and their traditional values that are deeply rooted on their autonomy and in the interdependence of all life."

From the barangay to the provincial level, all government units in Mindoro plus the Catholic church, the academe and non-government education united to oppose the agreement between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Mineral Production Sharing Agreement with Aglubang Mining signed under the previous administration. Thanks to new DENR Secretary Heherson T. Alvarez, this agreement was revoked for alleged violation of existing laws and regulations. The firm, however, has been allowed to continue its mining operations due to several unresolved issues. So the firm can still mine some 4.5 million tons of ore deposits in a 25-hectare area for the next six years.

Alvarez clarified his decision saying, "The decision we make here today shows that while we are responsible for protecting and conserving the environment, we also take cognizance of the fact that we need to create wealth, especially that which comes from the bowel of the earth. These are well-studied decisions arrived at only after extensive review of both mining projects."

The decision was arrived at after Secretary Alvarez personally conducted an on-the-spot inspection and two public consultations on the controversial project. The area in question was within a critical watershed that supported two active earthquake faults.

Government officials often have to make tough decisions. When is industry bad for the environment? It is a good thing that we have persons like Secretary Heherson T. Alvarez who is used to making difficult decisions.