By Jhelyn G. Andal

 

            “Ang hirap kasi sa inyong mga Palaweño, masyado kayong takot sa pagmimina,” one mining applicant addressed the Provincial Board’s Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources during a public consultation July 9, Wednesday.

 

A certain Leonides Ramos of Alcorn Gold Resources Corp. said that Palawan fears mining which offended Board Members Modesto Rodriguez II and Vicky De Guzman, authors of the proposed mining moratorium.

 

According to Rodriguez, it was just proper for Palaweños to feel afraid.

 

“I was offended as a Palaweño. We live here in Palawan while mining operators are from other provinces. After you have mined-out all our resources, we will be the ones left here to suffer the consequences of what you’ve done,” Rodriguez addressed Ramos.

 

De Guzman also reacted to what the applicant said.

 

“The remark was very irresponsible. We are not afraid; we just want to protect our environment,” De Guzman expressed. She added that Palaweños should be wary and apprehensive of mining operations because of its effects.

 

“Pupunta na lang sila rito sa ating lalawigan at magkakalkal ng basta-basta. Dapat naman talagang katakutan sila, not the mining operation per se,” De Guzman said.

 

Ramos, however, apologized for his words and said that he hopes their application may not be affected.

 

“We’re not like that,” De Guzman assured. “We go by the merits of the documents and applications. I am particularly strict with their financial capability. Also, they should respect our laws here in Palawan,” she added.

 

“We’re not totally against mining. As what I’ve said, I’m happy with Rio Tuba Nickel Corp., Coral Bay Nickel Corp., and Berong Nickel Corp. because they have shown sincerity and have complied with the law. But we have seen that these small-scale applicants have no capability. I don’t think they will love Palawan. They would just get our resources and leave,” De Guzman remarked.

 

During the committee hearing, some mining operators were not able to show proofs of their socio-civic projects which the Board insisted to be of importance.