Lito Atienza's Blog
DENR SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA AWARDS COMPANIES WITH EXEMPLARY ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
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Calling them ‘companies with conscience,’ Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (center) honors eight companies that have shown exemplary environmental performance in a simple ceremony held at the DENR’s Social Hall in Quezon City. Leading the awardees in presenting the “DENR Seal of Approval” awarded them under the Philippine Environment Partnership Program (PEPP) implemented by the Environmental Management Bureau is business tycoon Dr. Lucio Tan for Absolut Distillers, Inc. (to Atienza’s left). The other awardees are (from left): Gilbert Javier for Nestle Philippines-Lipa Plant, Amador Alas for Nestle Philippines-Cabuyao Plant, Jess Reyes, also for Nestle Philippines-Cabuyao Plant, Edith de Leon, also for Nestle Philippines-Lipa Plant, Annie Ambay for PSI Technologies, Lloyd Magat for Vishay Philippines, Liza Beronio for STMicroelectronics, Robin Batacandolo for Analog Devices-Gen. Trias, Noel Pabilona and Gina Picandal for ON Semiconductor, and Gerry Tee, also for Absolut Distillers, Inc.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources awarded eight companies with exemplary environmental performance with the “DENR Seal of Approval”.
On hand to receive the awards for their companies include business tycoon Dr. Lucio Tan for Absolut Distillers Inc.; Facilities Manager Robin Batacandolo for Analog Devices-General Trias; Vice-President and Corporate Environment Officer Jess Reyes for Nestle Phils., Inc.-Cabuyao Factory; Sr. Vice-President for Corporate Affairs Edith de Leon for Nestle Phils., – Lipa Factory; Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Manager Noel Pabilona for ON Semiconductor; EHS Manager Anne Ambay for PSI Technologies; EHS Manager Liza Beronio for STMicroelectronics, Inc.; and Facilities Manager Lloyd Magat for Vishay Philippines.
It is very important that we give recognition to companies that give importance to our environment through their strict compliance to environmental standards. The awardee-companies have shown excellence in mitigating pollution by establishing wastewater treatment facilities, thereby contributing to the protection of the country’s important bodies of water such as the Pasig River, Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay.
Aside from the “DENR Seal of Approval,” the awardees were also entitled to some regulatory privileges and assistance such as relaxation of reportorial requirements and simplified requirements for securing an environmental compliance certificate for their expansion projects.
The “DENR Seal of Approval” may be used by the companies in their product labels and other promotional campaigns for a period of one year.
Mabuhay ang mga korporasyong tumutulong sa pangangalaga ng ating kalikasan. We will continue to reward and acknowledge companies which contribute to the sustainability of our environment and our natural resources, while we will penalize those who do not.
The recognition rites was in line with the Philippine Environment Partnership Program (PEPP) of the Environmental Management Bureau, a line agency of the DENR, which seeks to support local industries achieve industry self-regulation through improved environmental performance.
Under the PEPP, a package of incentives and reward mechanisms await companies or industries that voluntarily join the program. Among these are technical assistance in the preparation and implementation of environmental management plan, public awareness-raising, development of industry-specific effluent standards and practical strategies and technologies to enable them comply with prescribed effluent standards.
To qualify for the program, companies must meet three important requirements: they should have no cases filed with the DENR’s Pollution Adjudication Board for at least three years prior to the date of application, they must be in full compliance with all applicable environment laws, and they must be proven to have superior environmental performance by a 3rd party auditor.
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DUE PROCESS IS A REQUIREMENT OF GOOD GOVERNANCE – SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA
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Department Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza (right) calls on mining operators to ensure that host communities get their fair share from their mining operations during the opening of the Mining Philippines 2009 Conference and Exhibition at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel in Pasay City. Listening on are (seated, from left): Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (CMP) chairman Artemio F. Disini, Vice President Noli de Castro and CMP president Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez. The 2-day mining conference, which has for its theme, “Strengthening Competitiveness,” was attended by the Philippine mining industry’s senior officials, industry financiers and investors, government policy makers, regulatory authorities, decision makers and top executives from the government and the mining industry.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources presents its position on the Intex Mining Project in Mindoro regarding the following issues raised in earlier paid newspaper advertisements and subject also of an ongoing sit-in demonstration in front of the DENR premises:
THE RECOGNITION OF THE LGU’s MORATORIUM ON MINING.
The DENR recognizes the moratorium, but this is a separate issue. Based on Presidential Decree 1586, Establishing the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System, the DENR, through the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), is mandated to assess the environmental impacts of an environmentally-critical project and prescribe mitigating measures to address these pre-defined impacts, regardless of any existing moratorium.
The DENR stresses: a) The ECC is only a planning tool and not a permit. It is supposed to guide the LGUs and other concerned agencies in the issuance of their permits; and b) The LGU is responsible for upholding the local moratorium.
THE FAILURE OF INTEX RESOURCES TO CONDUCT GENUINE CONSULTATIONS IN THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES.
DENR officials claim that they conducted public hearings in the municipalities of Pola and Mamburao, while Intex Resources conducted consultations and public scoping sessions in the areas of Calapan, San Teodoro, Victoria, Pola, and Sablayan, where the affected communities are located. These consultations/hearings were conducted to generate environmental concerns of the community, not social acceptability.
THE STEADFAST REFUSAL OF LGUs TO ALLOW THE ENTRY OF INTEX RESOURCES IN THEIR AREAS.
The DENR respects the position of the LGUs on this matter. The DENR, however, must continue to act according to its mandate.
THE SUSTAINED REJECTION AND WITHHOLDING OF CONSENT OF THE LEGITIMATE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE TO BE AFFECTED BY THE MINING OPERATION.
The immediate indigenous peoples such as the Mangyan tribes belonging to the Samahang Apo Diya Kakuyayan Inc. (SADAKI) and the Kanluran Mindoro at Kabilugan ng Mangyan Inc. (KMI), who occupy the actual concession area in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro and Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, claim they gave their consent to the mining project. They also attest that a series of consultations were undertaken by the mining company.
THE MINING AREA IS LOCATED WITHIN A WATERSHED .According to those who recommended the issuance of the ECC, the mining project is located 25 kilometers from FB Harrison Bird Sanctuary and 36 kilometers from Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park, and thus outside the proclaimed protected/watershed areas.
THE FAILURE TO CONSIDER EIA REVIEW COMMITTEE VOTE.
The DENR internal review team took careful note of the recommendations of the EIA Review Committee and incorporated these into the contents of the final ECC. However, per Administrative Order 42, the EIA Review Committee acts only on a recommendatory basis. The final decision to issue an ECC lies with the DENR based on a technical and factual evaluation and not – and has never been done – based on votes by Review Committee members.
THE ISSUANCE OF A SUSPENSION FOR 90 DAYS, INSTEAD OF A CANCELLATION.
The ECC given to Intex Resources was suspended for 90 days to allow the DENR to conduct a thorough investigation of the allegations that the mining project is located within a watershed area and that inadequate local consultations were made. The purpose of the suspension, therefore, is to comply with the requirements of due process by giving parties time to submit evidence to support the allegations.
If indeed there was malice in the issuance of the ECC, the DENR will not only cancel the ECC, but will also hold liable accountable employees who may have violated the process.
In fact, the bishops and governors present during our recent dialogue have been invited to join the investigating panel.
The revocation of the ECC should only come after a thorough investigation is done and documents presented are studied impartially by the investigation panel.
Without due process, justice cannot be served. The possible prosecution of malicious and erring DENR employees and the eventual cancellation of the ECC have to be supported by facts, not by mere allegations. Otherwise, our decision may not even be sustained in a court of law.
DENR SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA WANTS A REPORT ON ERRING BORACAY RESORTS
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (right) presents samples of concrete hollow blocks made of crashed glasses and produced at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Brgy. Balabag, Boracay Island. Atienza likewise commended Glenn Sacapano (left), former barangay captain now the Balabag MRF manager in making the facility financially and ecologically rewarding. Aside from the hollow blocks, the Balabag MRF also produces plastic tiles from sando bags using a plastic oven melter invented by the Department of Science and Technology, green charcoal using a charcoal briquetting machine and undertakes vermi composting using African Night Crawler. Prior to visiting Boracay, Atienza joined President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in visiting the town of Libacao, Aklan where he briefed the President and the local government officials of Aklan on the status of solid waste management in the province.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to come up with a list of violators of environmental laws in Boracay Island within the first week of November. This will facilitate the filing of appropriate administrative and criminal charges against these violators.
I have also directed the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) and the regional office of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Iloilo City to check on allegations that a resort has been constructed on top of coral reefs.
In a memorandum issued last October 26, I ordered Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director Julian Amador to identify all establishments that continuously failed to comply with environmental laws, including existing rules and regulations being implemented by the DENR in the 1,006-hectare resort island.
The directive gives the Environmental Management Bureau two weeks to submit a comprehensive report with full details of violations. This is to ensure that no further environmental damage occurs within and around the island of Boracay while various issues concerning its protection and conservation are being assessed.
The order comes on the heels of the approval of a master plan for Boracay’s development that will identify areas and their designated uses and degree of development activities according to the areas’ identified carrying capacity.
In August 2007, I directed the DENR-Region 6 for a temporary suspension in the processing and issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). At the same time, I also called on the local government to impose a moratorium on all construction activities in the island. The construction moratorium was intended to restore sanity and order in the island, which can be described as a national jewel every Filipino should be proud of.
Last October 16, Amador issued a memorandum to the DENR regional office reiterating that said moratorium on ECC processing and issuance in Boracay Island is still in effect “unless and until the Secretary lifts the moratorium,” adding that “the basis for lifting of such shall be the approved Boracay Master Plan.”
The master plan seeks to strike a balance between the sustainable growth of the island’s tourism industry while preserving its environment and natural resources. The master plan likewise evaluates the impacts of tourism-related activities and future development schemes in the island, as well.
Among the environmental threats in Boracay which the DENR has identified include the construction of resorts and tourism facilities along easement areas, illegal reclamation of wetlands, clearing of forested areas for building construction, garbage and air and water pollution.
In May 2006, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1064 which classifies 63% of Boracay’s 1,006-hectare land area into alienable and disposable lands, with the remaining percentage as forestland.
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DENR SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA ON THE NATURAL WEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES
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SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA WARNS OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL THROMBOSIS IN LAGUNA LAKE
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (2nd from right) points to the extensive proliferation of fishpens and other illegal aquaculture structures that crowd the 92,000-hectare Laguna Lake which need to be demolished. The illegal structures occupy up to 36,000 hectares or around 45 percent of the water body. Also in photo are from left: DENR-Region 4A Executive Director Nilo Tamoria, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission Executive Director Deogracias Tablan, Jr., DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Eli Quinto and Laguna Lake Development Authority General Manager Edgardo Manda.
An environmental thrombosis in Laguna de Bay will inevitably occur unless decisive steps are taken against illegal fishpens that are clogging Laguna de Bay. We have clogged the heart of Laguna de Bay with fishpens.
I am reiterating my consistent stand against the proliferation of these aqua structures. Fishpens now occupy as much as 58 percent of the total area of Laguna Lake , exceeding the 10 percent limit set for fishpen belt based on the lake’s Zoning Management Plan.
The Lake has the potential to jumpstart sustainable development in the whole region of Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, and even portions of Central Luzon. It is providentially shaped like a heart but is presently suffering from a thrombosis because of its clogged arteries.
The Pasig River , which connects to Manila Bay , is likewise clogged with silt and is also in need of drastic cleaning efforts. The Pasig river is now being dredged by the DENR and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.
There is only one exit point to from Laguna de Bay and that’s the Pasig River, a slight vein that goes out to Manila Bay.
I am disputing claims by other groups that the dismantling of fishpens in the lake would adversely affect some 300,000 fishermen. In reality, there are around 18,000 fisherfolk and some 76,000 families dependent on the lake who will benefit from a fishpen-free Laguna de Bay.
There are studies made on the lake that prior to the proliferation of fishpens in the area, fish catch was up to 82 million kilos or 82,000 metric tons, including 240 million kilos or 240,000 metric tons of shrimps and mollusks. Today, there are no more shrimps or shells, except janitor fish.
There is also a bleak scenario for outlying towns around the lake still submerged in floodwaters. The ebbing of floodwater may take longer than expected unless the DENR’s recommendation against the structures are taken, especially by concerned local government officials.
I’m sorry to say but these areas will remain flooded and will just depend on evaporation unless we clear the passage ways and allow the waters from the lake to flow free.
At the start of the 3rd Senate hearing on climate change, Senator Rodolfo Biazon called my attention to information relayed to him by Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane who said that Laguna Lake rose by 10.4 meters as a result of typhoon “Ondoy,” and that for every 18 inches in the rise of the level of the lake, it will take six months to subside.
The DENR is not focusing on Laguna de Bay alone with respect to the fishpen issue, noting that the situation is same in other important water bodies like Taal Lake , Lake Sebu , Manila Bay , Pampanga River , Bulacan River and Sampaloc Lake .
This has been allowed for the past three or four decades. This is an accumulation of our common neglect. So I hope and pray that the Senate Committee on Climate Change comes up with a very strongly worded recommendation to save our water bodies. This is chaos, anarchy and environmental destruction just waiting to explode again.
SEC LITO ATIENZA: RECENT CALAMITIES CAN BE CATALYSTS TO SOLVING RP’S GARBAGE WOES
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza underscores the need to liberate Laguna Lake of fishpens and other illegal aqua structures not only to allow for the country’s biggest lake to rehabilitate but also to provide small fisherfolk an opportunity to benefit from its bounties. Atienza made the remark during a dialogue with Laguna Lake stakeholders (lower photo) at the DENR Social Hall in Quezon City. Also in photo with Sec. Atienza are (from right) DENR Assistant Secretaries David Suarez, Juan Miguel Cuna and Mark Allan Jay Yambao (standing).
The nation’s coming to terms with the garbage problem as a major national concern is a positive side to the recent disaster.
With public sentiments still fresh from typhoons ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng’s wrath, this would be the best time for local government authorities to clean esteros and other important water bodies of illegal structures and garbage which aggravated the recent flooding in Regions 3 and the National Capital Region.
Once and for all, let us all take drastic steps in saving our environment even as I am cautioning all government units against taking a laid back attitude on the problem and that the lessons from the recent calamities should never be forgotten even when things have normalized.
Ito na ang pagkakataon nating lahat. The wakeup call came in a very violent manner and took everyone by surprise despite repeated calls to local government officials to pay serious attention to the garbage problem, particularly on the implementation and enforcement of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act No. 9003).
The havoc ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng’ wrought the past weeks maybe just a precursor of things to come which would leave the poor to suffer most due to inept local leadership in addressing their constituency’s garbage issues.
Often, the high cost of these calamities are caused not so much by lack of knowledge or resources as by poor governance.
A case in point is what I describe as a knee-jerk reaction by many to use the population issue as a scapegoat for the proliferation of illegal settlers along the shoreline of Laguna de Bay and the presence of illegal fishpens in the bay’s waters. Ang nangyayari, palaging nasisi ay ang bilang ng tao. Pero ang tunay na pagkukulang ay nasa kawalan ng pagpaplano, tamang pagpapaganap, pagpapatupad ng batas. So, huwag nating sisihin yung bilang ng tao sa pagkukulang ng namamahala.
On the recurring issue of fishpens in Laguna Lake, the operators of the structures have benefited from the lake for the longest time and that ridding the lake of the structures will not only translate to higher fish catch of poor fisherfolk, but would, at the same time, help prevent a repeat of the ‘Ondoy’ experience.
Fishpens are a major factor why the 90,000-hectare inland water body is already close to the limits of its capacities and the effects of climate change may push the lake beyond its coping capacities unless real efforts are made to prepare for changes in climate.
Scare tactics employed by fishpen operators who say that this campaign against the structures will eventually result in lowering of fish supply in Metro Manila and would trigger the shooting up of prices of fish.
Tama na. Sobra na. Sobra-sobra na ang kinita nila for so many decades since the 70’s.
SEC LITO ATIENZA CALLS ON PUBLIC FOR ATTITUDE, LIFESTYLE CHANGE
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (3rd from right) leads the Rotarians in planting 30 seedlings of indigenous species such as ebony, molave, ipil, balitbitan and kupang at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center in Quezon City following the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the DENR and the Philippine Rotary Districts for the implementation of the RotaTREE Planting Project, which seeks to plant one million trees nationwide. Joining Atienza in the activity are (from left): Past District Governor and Zone Coordinator Lyne Abanilla, District Governors Connie Beltran and Dulce Coyukiat, Club Past President Sonny Japay, District Governors Sid Garcia and Ding San Diego. At the back is Club Past President Pepot Sto. Domingo
I am calling on all Filipinos for a change in attitude and lifestyle in an effort to address the various environmental problems besetting the country, including global warming and climate change. Putting the blame on the government every time a calamity strikes the country will not help; what is needed is a change in our attitude towards the environment.
A change in attitude is what we need. The solution must start within ourselves. Throwing garbage anywhere and driving smoke-belching cars contribute in accelerating the destruction of the ozone layer and the human species.
It is high time that people, even without prodding from the government, start protecting the environment to avoid the adverse impacts of climate change. “Typhoon “Ondoy” is a clear example of what climate change and global warming can do to humanity if we continue to show indifference to nature.
Both the natural and man-made drainage systems did not work during the onslaught of “Ondoy” because of garbage blocking waterways that resulted in the flooding of the whole of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna.
If majority of our countrymen practice waste segregation and recycling, the number of dumpsites will be reduced, thereby cutting on methane gas emission. Methane gas is more potent than any other greenhouse gases that destroy the ozone layer.
I am also urging the public to plant more trees and conserve energy. Planting trees is one of the most effective mitigation efforts in combating climate change. A single tree can absorb 0.56MT of carbon dioxide in its lifetime.
During the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the DENR and the Philippine Rotary Districts and launching of The RotaTree Planting Project, I emphasized that the agreement with the Rotary Districts to plant more trees is very timely after “Ondoy”. The Rotarians have committed to plant a million trees nationwide in three years, even as they planted 30 seedlings of indigenous species such as ebony, balitbitan, molave, ipil, guijo, dao and kupang in the ceremonial tree planting at the grounds of Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center, launching RotaTREE Planting Project.
Under the MOA, the DENR will identify suitable areas for the tree planting project through global positioning systems (GPS) and assist in preparing the organization’s 3-year development plan, in accordance with DENR’s upland development program.
The DENR has also agreed to provide technical assistance and guidance in species-site matching, plantation establishment and proper maintenance of planted tree seedlings.
The Rotary Districts, on the other hand, will implement the project in the designated areas consistent with the approved development plan.
The Rotary Districts also agreed to provide counterpart resources intended for labor, materials and other contributions for the implementation of the program and conserve existing vegetation both man-made and natural and promote biodiversity conservation in the project areas.
DENR SECRETARY LITO ATIENZA ORDERS LLDA TO BAN REPAIR OF RUINED FISHPENS IN LAGUNA LAKE
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Aside from sharing the same birthday, August 10, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (left) and Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales are both ardent environmentalists. In a meeting at the Residencia del Arzobishpo in Manila, Atienza briefed the bishop on the continuing degradation of Laguna Lake’s waters. In turn, Archbishop Rosales, himself a licensed forester, expressed support to Atienza’s efforts to liberate the country’s largest lake of fishpens and other illegal aqua structures in a twin-move to fasttrack the rehabilitation of the lake and rationalize the benefits it provides with all stakeholders, especially the poor fisherfolk.
As DENR Secretary I have ordered the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to impose a total ban on the repair or reconstruction of fishpens and other aqua structures ruined or submerged at the height of typhoon ‘Ondoy.’
This, even as I have expressed frustration over the LLDA’s inability to take control of the lake after my continued directives, thus receiving mere alibis for failure.
I have personally instructed LLDA General Manager Edgar Manda to make sure that destroyed, including submerged fishpens, will not be allowed to be repaired or reconstructed by their operators and owners.
In a memorandum, I have directed GM Manda to impose a total ban on the reconstruction or repair of fishpens either ruined or submerged by typhoon ‘Ondoy.’
Nature herself has done the gargantuan work for us in liberating the lake of fishpens and fishcages, adding that it is now imperative for the LLDA to learn from typhoon Ondoy’s lessons.
This is the best time, more than ever, to take advantage of what nature has initiated, reminding us of the consequences brought by abuse on the environment by some influential, powerful and wealthy individuals and groups. Failure to carry out the memorandum would constrain the Department to take administrative action.
In the memorandum, I have also directed the lake agency to refrain from issuing new permits or renewal of permits for the construction of fishpens and fishcages. In implementing the order, LLDA officials can call on any DENR office, the police and the military for assistance.
The unprecedented volume of rain that befell Metro Manila and neighboring provinces was caused by climate change. However, the massive flooding experienced was the result of man’s irresponsibility to allow garbage and illegal structures to block the country’s man-made and natural drainage systems.
ATIENZA URGES PRO-LIFE LEADERS TO BE ACTIVE IN PROTECTING NATURAL RESOURCES
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (upper photo) calls on leaders advocating for the sanctity of life to get actively involved in the protection of the country’s natural resources which are now facing threats from man’s profligate use. Atienza made the call during the National ECFL-CBCP Directors and Coordinators Consultative Meeting at the Cebu Midtown Hotel in Cebu City. Around 200 pro-life leaders from Visayas and Mindanao attended the gathering, which has for its theme, “Together as one, we stand up and fight for the family and life.”
As President of Pro-Life Philippines, I am calling on leaders advocating for the sanctity of life to get actively involved in the protection of the country’s natural resources that are now facing threats from man’s profligate use.
As pro-life leaders whose advocacy is the preservation of the life of the unborn child, I urge each of you to secure for the children of this generation and the coming generations a world rich in natural resources that we have been blessed with.
Even the unborn child in a mother’s womb faces environmental threats such as pollution and severe degradation that imperil his or her survival on earth. Again, I am calling on pro-life leaders to protect the country’s environment and natural resources as being pro-life is synonymous to being pro-environment.
The deterioration of values among today’s generation that is manifested by apathy to the conservation of the environment and to the annihilation of life in the mother’s womb. The situation presents both a disturbing yet very challenging task not only among government leaders but also to civic leaders in reorienting the youth on the value of life and of the environment through appropriate communication strategies.
Our youth, by their lack of understanding and guidance and pressure from outside influences, are getting astray from the very values we Filipinos have long nurtured. Our duty, as their leaders, is to provide them with the necessary guidance to win them back by strengthening our advocacy in promoting a culture of life in this country.
In light of the coming national and local elections, I am reiterating the need to elect qualified leaders who have passed the test of experience, competence, and one who staunchly promotes the values of family life and adheres to the rule of law in the country’s governance.
Any leader who thinks that population is a problem to our economic progress is definitely out of his mind. Good governance, sustainable use of natural resources, and equal distribution of opportunities are the key elements to the country’s genuine progress and not population control.
From where I am sitting now as DENR secretary, I could see an abundance of natural wealth that could sustain a healthy growth for the country. It is just being abused by the powerful and the greedy. Let us collectively put a stop to this by properly selecting our leaders.
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THE PHILIPPINES: ON THE PATH TO BEING A MINING COUNTRY by Joy Grate
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Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza (left photo) expresses optimism that the country’s mining industry will weather the current global financial crisis during the Asia Mining Congress 2009 held in Singapore. In a keynote address, Atienza told leading mining leaders and investors that the industry’s “fundamentals are sound like high geological prospectivity supported by a globally comparable mining law that promotes responsible mining and the commitment to improve the overall investment competitiveness.” (Photos by Rubelyn Alcantara – Intercom UK Ltd.).
The prospects of a mining boom next year and to becoming a mining country in 2010 continues to gain ground in the Philippines with the mining industry sustaining its robust output even as more projects are scheduled to either go on stream or expand production in the next months.
DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) data showed that Philippine metallic production value posted a strong 56% growth during the first quarter of the year, from P11.13 billion to P17.38 billion the same period last year. The country’s metal output has been on the uptrend since 2002 due to the demand-driven rise in world metal prices.
Five nickel mines, four gold mines, three chromite mines, a copper mine, a nickel plant, and numerous small-scale gold mining operations round up the current production loop, with gold producers getting the lion’s share of the sales with 63%, followed by nickel concentrate with 19%, copper with 9% and nickel direct shipping ore with 8%. Nickel production is expected to further boost this year and next with the expansion of two of the currently operating priority projects, the HPP Palawan Nickel Project and Berong Nickel Project.
With the continuous uptrend in production, the DENR is optimistic on achieving a projected 8.6% mining exports share to total exports by 2010—a figure that would elevate the Philippines to a “mining country.” Based on 2002 World Bank study, a country can be called a “mining country” if its mining industry contributes at least 6% to the total exports.
Projections were based on the production and exports data of currently producing mines and the schedule set by the 23 priority minerals development projects. Sales forecast this year was pegged at US$1.36 billion, and is seen to increase next year to US$1.454 when a mining boom is seen to take place. Mineral production value is projected to increase sharply to US$5.34 billion by the time all of the 23 priority projects shall have already been on stream in 2010.
The Revitalization of the Minerals Industry Program, which is anchored on the principles of sustainable development, was launched in 2003 in line with the President Arroyo’s policy shift from tolerance to promotion of responsible mining. The policy shift considered the potential of mining as a catalyst to economic growth and development, and helping poverty reduction particularly in the countryside.
23 priority projects
In line with the revitalization program, 23 mining projects in the most advance stage were included in the list of priority development projects. The government projects to generate US$6.7 billion in mining investments from its 23 priority projects alone by 2010.
Of the 23 priority projects, six are producing or expanding, two are in the construction and development stage, 10 are either undergoing feasibility studies or finalizing financial options, three are under exploration, and three are for bidding.
The producing mines are the Palawan HPP Project in Palawan, the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project in Albay, the Canatuan Gold Project in Zamboanga del Norte, the Teresa Gold Project and the Tomas Copper Project both in Benguet, and the Berong Nickel Project in Palawan.
Projects under construction and development are the ACT Nickel Project and the Didipio Copper Project in Nueva Vizcaya.
Undergoing feasibility studies or finalizing financial options are Masbate Gold, Carmen Copper, King-King Copper-Gold, Far Southeast Copper, Itogon Gold, Tampakan Copper, Colet Copper, Siana Gold, Nonoc Nickel, and Akle Cement projects.
Under exploration are Boyongan Copper Project, Mindoro Nickel Project and the Hallmark Nickel Project.
For bidding are the Diwalwal Copper Project, Amacan Copper Project and the Batong Buhay Copper-Gold Project.
Mining boom
The mining industry is facing a major takeoff this year and is seen to boom next year as five of the world’s major mining players are now in the country doing exploration and mining development.
These companies include Xstrata Plc., Anglo American Ltd, Phelps Dodge, Chemical Vapor Metal Refining (CVMR) and BHP Billiton.
Xstrata had bought 62.5% of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project in South Cotabato, while Anglo American Ltd has just expanded its exploration program to include the Bayugo Gold Prospect of Manila Mining Corp., a property adjacent to its existing Boyungan exploration area. Phelps Dodge, on the other hand, is actively doing grassroots exploration in various parts of the country. CVMR’s is set to conduct exploration after its permit to explore nickel deposits has recently been approved. The company is also looking at the feasibility of putting up a nickel refinery in the country. BHP Billiton, in a joint venture with Filipino mining companies, is currently exploring a large area of nickeliferrous laterite deposit in Davao Oriental that might lead to the establishment of nickel processing plant.
Other foreign companies that expressed interest in the Philippines are: Oceana Gold Ltd; Citic Group of China; JOGMEC of Japan; Medusa Mining Ltd; CGA Resources; Royalco Resources; Anvil Resources; Jinchuan of China; Jilin of China; Ivanhoe; and CVRD.
Since the implementation of the revitalization program in 2003, a total of US$694 million in investments and around 6,500 jobs have been generated from the 23 mining projects. The DENR is taking the lead in implementing the revitalization program for the minerals industry, one of the priority economic agenda of the administration of President Arroyo.
The Philippines, being situated along that well-defined belt of volcanoes called the circum-Pacific rim of fire that extends from the tip of South America to North America, East Asia and Oceana. This belt is also an extensive and continuous zone where tectonic plates collide. More importantly, these processes of volcanism and plate convergence, as geologists claim, resulted in the formation of abundant and important metallic mineral deposits of gold, copper, iron, chromite, nickel, cobalt, and platinum. The areas defining this belt are the primary producers of copper and gold in the world today.
It is not surprising therefore that, in a per square inch proportion, our country may rank as one of the most mineral-endowed in the world.
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