Local officials, civil society groups, and residents of Antique are rallying against a proposal to declare 3,717 hectares across three towns as a mining reserve, citing concerns over environmental degradation and livelihood disruptions.
The proposed mining reserve covers 18 barangays in San Remigio, Sibalom, and Patnongon, where deposits of gold, copper, and chromite have been identified.
Local officials and residents expressed fears that the project could devastate Antique’s natural environment and disrupt livelihoods.
In a Philippine News Agency report, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) assured stakeholders during a public hearing on Tuesday that their opposition would be forwarded to higher authorities.
Dr. Leilani Suerte, officer-in-charge of MGB Region 6’s Geosciences Division, explained that the agency’s mandate under the Philippine Mining Act includes identifying potential mining areas. However, she emphasized that the concerns raised by Antiqueños regarding the declaration of the mining reserve would be given due attention.
Antique Provincial Board Member Karmila Rose Dimamay, chair of the Committee on Environment, highlighted widespread opposition from local government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations (CSOs), including Amlig (Care) Antique, a coalition of religious groups.
Board Member Dante Beriong also echoed these sentiments, urging national leaders, including President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and MGB officials, to respect the province’s position.
Environmental preservation and protection of livelihoods remain the primary concerns of those opposing the mining reserve declaration.
As this issue develops, residents and advocates are calling for national leaders to listen to Antique’s collective voice and prioritize sustainable development that safeguards the province’s natural resources.
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