Provincial lawmakers in Misamis Oriental are moving to formalize small-scale mining operations in Limonda, Opol, a proposal that could create revenue streams for local governments while opening legal livelihood opportunities for Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
Mindanao Gold Star Daily reported that during the September 23 session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Environment Committee chair Board Member Roy Aniscal filed a resolution seeking to designate Limonda as an official “Minahan ng Bayan” or People’s Small-Scale Mining Area.
Aniscal said formalizing mining in the sitio would benefit both the province and the IP community by addressing the prevalence of illegal operations.
But IP representative to the board, Allan Mandukita, cautioned that transparency is non-negotiable, stressing that since the site falls within an ancestral domain, all applicants must be disclosed to the community.
“Kay kung dili sila makabalo, mao nay violation,” Mandukita told colleagues, adding that no IP leaders were present during an earlier committee hearing.
Despite this concern, Mandukita expressed his support for the measure: “Suporta ko ani kay sa magsigig dakop dakop kay naay illegal.” He emphasized that the Dulangan Manobo tribe must be directly involved.
Opol Mayor Jay Bago echoed this position, noting there are nine existing applicants but reiterating that priority should go to local Indigenous groups.
“Ihatag sa na ang minahan ng bayan sa mga lumad kay aron ma plastar. Dili gyud pwede estranyo ang naa diha, priority ang Opol especially the lumad,” Bago said.
The mayor warned against turning a blind eye to unauthorized mining activities: “Kung naa gani madakpan nga nag apil sila anang mina mina nga illegal, I will tell you, dili ko musugot nalang ug minahan ng bayan.”
The provincial board has deferred action on the resolution pending a public consultation in Limonda to gather community input.
What do you think—will legalizing a Minahan ng Bayan in Opol set a precedent for balancing mining development with Indigenous rights in Mindanao?
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