Statement – Cordova mineral exploration an ecological time bomb

The pending application of Kimhee Realty Corporation, reportedly owned by a certain Gene Chua, for a permit to conduct a two-year mineral product exploration in the entire area (709.7 hectares) of the municipality of Cordova, Cebu (which appeared on the December 2, 2005 issue of The Freeman) is an ecological time bomb which would endanger not only the natural resources of Cordova but most importantly the lives of the people.

As stated in Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and in Article 3 of the Philippine Constitution "Everyone have the Right to Life". The environmental destruction brought by Marcopper Mining and the massive fish killing caused by Atlas Mining in Northern part of Cebu are living examples how this right was violated and discarded. This only shows man's indifference, and lack of respect to Mother Nature.

Nature is a gift from God and human beings are not the owners but mere stewards of His creation. No amount of any man-made project can equate the real beauty and genuine satisfaction and distribution of wealth nature can give to mankind.

According to the Federation of Asian Bishop's Conference (FABC) "...the Gospel is a leaven for liberation and for the transformation of society." As members of the laity, we, from the C-CIMPEL, are mandated to speak the Good News and participate in making collective and cohesive actions on behalf of justice and the transformation of the world (A New Way of Being Church).

We are not against development. We are for development, but it should be sustainable and should not lead to the wanton destruction of our resources and the extinction of our people.

The Cordovanhons, more than anybody else, have the right to nurture, develop, and reap the harvests of the natural resources in the municipality of Cordova, Cebu.

Let us not wait for the nature to strike back - that would cause the end thousands, even millions of lives. With this, we are appealing to all the people to be one with us in safeguarding the environment of our respective communities.

Rico Nuñez
Education Committee
Cebu Citizens' Involvement and Maturation
in People Empowerment and Liberation (C-CIMPEL)
San Roque Parish, Cordova, Cebu