A group is opposing an ordinance that favors mining operations in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
The Governor Generoso Business Club (GGBC) urged the mayor to veto the ordinance that the municipal council approved.
“You can definitely exercise your veto power in this. Repeal ordinance and hear the cries of the people that they are against the mining operation,” Governor Generoso Business Club Campaign Initiator, Mia Apao Adlawan, said.
“Daghan kaayo’g pamaagi nga matabangan atong munisipyo… dili nato kinahanglan siguro magmina para mag-improve ang Gov Gen (Governor Generoso),” Adlawan added.
The group is worried that mining would cause environmental destruction.
According to the group, the ordinance also allegedly allows mining activities in some barangays around Mt. Hamiguitan, which is a protected area and recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
GGBC clarified that it is not against development but this should not be at the expense of the enviromment.
The group said that even before the ordinance was approved, mining activities have already been reported even if operators were only holding exploration permits.
“Sa dili pa ana kadako ang mining sa among area, naka-experience na gani mi og lunop, how much more kung hilabtan pa nila ang naa sa taas?” GGBC President, Melissa Cielo, said.
“Dili na man gud exploration ang ilang gihimo… mining operation kay nagbaba na sila og lupa, gipang-haul na nila ang yuta… paspas ang ilang operation,” GGBC member, Gerlyn Lagleyva, said.
“We call upon the concerned government agencies - the MGB, DENR to look into the matter of the mining operation permits that they have issued as we believe that the authority to explore has taken further,” Cielo added.
The ordinance the council approved reportedly did not go through public hearing and consultation.
“Nadismaya ko because we only knew of this ordinance nga mag-third and final reading… didto nami nakahibalo on the day of the final reading,” Adlawan said.
“We are willing to take this fight in the courts of law to ensure that the upcoming generation will have something to enjoy in the future,” Cielo added.
The group is also calling on the public to support their online petition against the ordinance.
GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the local government unit for a statement, as of this writing.